Viral Infection Leads to Diagnosis of “Infectious Mononucleosis”: A Case Study

Ms. Chen, 25, works in an information technology company. In the past two weeks, I have had a low-grade fever, a little sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes in the neck; the nucleic acid test for the new coronavirus continued to be negative, and the X-ray angiography of the lungs was normal. Blood tests showed that the number of platelets decreased, “atypical lymphocytes” were seen in the blood, and there was hepatitis at the same time. The virus test found that Ms. Chen was infected with the “Epstein-Barr virus” (Epstein-Barr virus), and she was diagnosed with “Infectious Mononucleosis”.

Viral infections are the main cause of “infectious mononucleosis”, including viral infections, such as “Epstein-Barr virus” and “cytomegalovirus”, which affect the patient’s B lymphocytes. Most of us were infected with Epstein-Barr virus as children. Symptoms are generally mild; the virus is spread through saliva, such as kissing or sharing drinks. Young people are exposed to the virus for the first time after they grow up, and the condition may be more serious, which can induce “infectious mononucleosis”, commonly known as “kissing disease”. After being infected by Epstein-Barr virus, the virus can remain in the body for many months and is still contagious. In addition to saliva, the virus can also be transmitted through semen or vaginal secretions.

Symptoms of acute Epstein-Barr virus infection include body aches, headache and low-grade fever, as well as sore throat and swollen lymph nodes in the neck, which can last for several weeks. Hepatitis and splenomegaly are common findings. “Spleen rupture” can cause severe abdominal pain, which is a rare complication. Patients are advised to avoid strenuous exercise.

Currently, there is no specific drug for Epstein-Barr virus. The main goal of treatment is to relieve symptoms. Antibiotics have no effect and can easily induce skin allergies, especially penicillin antibiotics, which can be very serious. “Principal Pain” can help relieve muscle pain, fever and sore throat. Remember not to take aspirin. Most patients recover within four weeks, but may continue to feel very tired for several months; the most important thing is to rest and drink plenty of water even if the appetite is low. A small number of patients may develop serious complications, such as bone marrow failure, requiring immediate hospitalization.

(This column is published every Thursday)