Infectious mononucleosis
Infectious mononucleosis, (also known as the kissing disease, or Pfeiffer's disease, in North America as mono and more commonly known as glandular fever in other English-speaking countries) is seen most commonly in
adolescents and young adults, characterized in teenagers by
fever, sore throat, muscle soreness, and fatigue. Mononucleosis typically produces a very mild illness in small children. White patches on the tonsils or in the back of the throat may also be seen (resembling
strep throat). Mononucleosis is usually caused by the
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), which infects
B cells (B-lymphocytes), producing a reactive
lymphocytosis and atypical
T cells (T-lymphocytes) known as Downey bodies.
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kissing disease
Noun
1. an acute disease characterized by fever and swollen lymph nodes and an abnormal increase of mononuclear leucocytes or monocytes in the bloodstream; not highly contagious; some believe it can be transmitted by kissing
(synonym) infectious mononucleosis, mononucleosis, mono, glandular fever
(hypernym) infectious disease
Kissing disease
A name for infectious mononucleosis ("mono"), a very common illness caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). By the time most people reach adulthood, an antibody against EBV can be detected in their blood meaning they have been infected with EBV. The illness is less severe in young children. The infection can be spread by saliva. The incubation period for "mono" is 4 to 8 weeks. Symptoms include fever, fatigue, sore throat, and swollen lymph glands. "Mono" can cause liver inflammation (hepatitis) and spleen enlargement. Vigorous contact sports should be avoided to prevent spleen rupture.