Infectious mononucleosis

Infectious mononucleosis (monocytic tonsillitis,disease Filatov-Pfayffera) - an acute disease (its cause is the Epstein-Barr virus), characterized by angina, changes in lymphoid cells and hemopoiesis, changes in the blood formula, the emergence of reactive lymphadenitis. Filatov NF described the disease for the first time. and Pfeiffer, in honor of which, the disease received its name.

Etiology of the disease

The disease develops as a result of pathologicalthe action of the Epstein-Barr virus. The virus was isolated in 1964 by English scientists. This virus belongs to a variety of herpesviruses. The causative agent, penetrating into the body, penetrates into the lymphocytes, there is a blast-transformation of the cells.

The virus is transmitted from a sick person orcarrier of the virus with the erased form of the disease and is released for several months after infection. The disease is transmitted by air, it is possible that the virus can get in contact, in a vertical way and under medical manipulation. In general, there is a stunted and mild form of the disease. In infants and young children, the disease is practically not observed, due to passive immunity. Disease of infectious mononucleosis often occurs in adolescence.

Infectious mononucleosis in adults is observedrarely, because to 35-40 years in the blood can detect specific antibodies to the Epstein-Barr virus. Seasonality of the disease is not observed, it is recorded throughout the year.
Getting through the respiratory tract, the virus penetrates into themucous membrane of the nasopharynx, causing a reactive increase in the lymph nodes and edema of the mucosa. Intruding into the lymphocytes, the virus spreads throughout the body, causing changes in the lymphoid system and the appearance of mononuclear cells in the blood.

Infectious mononucleosis and its manifestations

From the time the virus enters the body tothe appearance of manifestations of the disease runs from a week to a half months. Initial manifestations can be a prodromal period. Clinical manifestations can be diverse. Typical for mononucleosis are angina, with marked hyperemia of throat, nasal congestion, the phenomenon of rhinitis, the reaction of lymph nodes, pain when swallowing, general malaise and intoxication. In some cases, there is an increase in the liver and spleen.

For the analysis of blood, high leukocytosis (up to 20x10 / 9 / L), a change in the blood formula with an increase in lymphocytes, eosinophils and neutrophils is characteristic.

Diagnostics

Infectious mononucleosis is diagnosedbased on the symptomatology of the disease and the definition in the blood of disease-specific cells - mononuclears. These specific cells have a large lymphocyte nucleus and a wide cytoplasm.

By duration, infectious mononucleosislasts up to several weeks, the picture of blood comes back to normal in a few months. In rare cases, repeated exacerbations can occur, with an easy course, at intervals of several years. Complications of mononucleosis can be ruptures of an enlarged spleen, hepatitis, hemolysis.

Treatment

Infectious mononucleosis: treatment of this disease proceeding in an easy form, usually does not need the appointment of special drug therapy. Within a few days the patient's condition usually normalizes, the picture of blood comes back to normal. Symptomatic therapy is possible with temperature rises, severe angina and sore throat. With prolonged flow, hormone therapy (prednisolone or other analogues) is prescribed.
The prognosis of the disease is usually favorable. Isolate the patient is not necessary, due to the low contagiousness of the disease. If the disease occurs in severe form, with internal organs affected, admission to hospital is indicated.