Infectious mononucleosis

Last reviewed: 2 Sep 2023
Last updated: 16 Nov 2021

Summary

Definition

History and exam

Key diagnostic factors

  • fever
  • pharyngitis
  • cervical or generalized lymphadenopathy
  • malaise
More key diagnostic factors

Other diagnostic factors

  • splenomegaly
  • rash
  • signs of hepatitis (hepatomegaly, jaundice)
  • jaundice
  • myalgia
Other diagnostic factors

Risk factors

  • kissing
  • sexual behavior
More risk factors

Diagnostic investigations

1st investigations to order

  • CBC
  • heterophile antibodies
  • Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-specific antibodies
  • LFTs
More 1st investigations to order

Investigations to consider

  • real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
  • ultrasonography of abdomen
  • CT of abdomen
More investigations to consider

Treatment algorithm

ACUTE

all patients

Contributors

Authors

George Turabelidze, MD, PhD

Medical Epidemiologist

Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services

Adjunct Assistant Professor of Clinical Pediatrics

Washington University School of Medicine

St Louis

MO

Disclosures

GT declares that he has no competing interests.

Peer reviewers

Linda Kalilani, MBBS, MPhil, PhD

Epidemiologist

College of Medicine

University of Malawi

Zomba

Malawi

Disclosures

LK declares that she has no competing interests.

Paul G. Auwaerter, MD, MBA, FACP, FIDSA

Clinical Director

Division of Infectious Diseases

Associate Professor of Medicine

Divisions of Infectious Diseases and General Internal Medicine

Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

Baltimore

MD

Disclosures

PGA declares that he has no competing interests.

  • Differentials

    • Group A streptococcal pharyngitis
    • Hepatitis A
    • Acute HIV infection
    More Differentials
  • Patient leaflets

    Glandular fever (infectious mononucleosis)

    More Patient leaflets
  • Videos

    Venepuncture and phlebotomy: animated demonstration

    Peripheral venous cannulation: animated demonstration

    More videos
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