What causes mononucleosis?
Mononucleosis is a contagious (but not highly contagious) disease, mostly caused by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection. Hence, it is also known as infectious mononucleosis.
EBV is a herpes virus, and it is found all over the world. Most people get infected with EBV at some point in their lives.
EBV enters into your body commonly through saliva. The body reacts by developing antibodies against the virus. This immune response results in the development of fever.
Besides EBV, other causes of mononucleosis include:
How does mononucleosis spread?
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is transmitted via intimate contact with body secretions, primarily saliva. The organism may also be shed from the uterine cervix and can be transmitted sexually, although it is more likely to be spread through saliva. On rare occasions, EBV spreads via blood transfusion or organ transplantation.
EBV can be spread through objects used by an infected person. These objects may be a glass or toothbrush that transmits the virus through the saliva from an infected person to a healthy person. The virus probably survives on an object that remains moist for a longer time.
If you have been infected with EBV, you can spread the virus even before you develop its symptoms. You can continue to transmit the virus for as long as six months after mononucleosis has set in.
How common is mononucleosis?
It is estimated that up to 95% of adults in the world eventually test positive for Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). However, it is most commonly seen to affect 15- to 24-year olds. Hence, infectious mononucleosis is also referred to as “kissing disease.” Because most of the adults have been previously exposed to mononucleosis in their younger years, it is uncommon in adults.
In the United States, approximately 50% of the population tests positive for EBV before age 5 years, with much of the rest testing positive in adolescence.
Infectious mononucleosis develops in at least one out of four teenagers and young adults who get infected with EBV.
Can mononucleosis recur?
Most people who developed infectious mononucleosis will get it only once in their lifetime. Very rarely, mononucleosis recurs months or years later.
Most of the cases of mononucleosis are due to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). The characteristic of EBV infection is that once you get infected with it, it continues to stay in your body in an inactive state. At times, it may reactivate and your saliva may test positive for EBV, but you do not develop any symptoms of mononucleosis. Only when your immunity is weakened due to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), there are high chances of the redevelopment of EBV mononucleosis.
SLIDESHOW
The 14 Most Common Causes of Fatigue See SlideshowMohseni M et al. Mononucleosis. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470387/
Epstein-Barr Virus and Infectious Mononucleosis. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/epstein-barr/about-ebv.html
Top Mononucleosis Causes Related Articles
Are Mono Symptoms Contagious?
Mononucleosis, or mono, is a viral disease that is passed from person to person through saliva and other bodily fluids. Learn about the symptoms of mono, how mono is transmitted, and what to do to help prevent the spread of mono.
Common Medical Abbreviations & Terms
Doctors, pharmacists, and other health-care professionals use abbreviations, acronyms, and other terminology for instructions and information in regard to a patient's health condition, prescription drugs they are to take, or medical procedures that have been ordered. There is no approved this list of common medical abbreviations, acronyms, and terminology used by doctors and other health- care professionals. You can use this list of medical abbreviations and acronyms written by our doctors the next time you can't understand what is on your prescription package, blood test results, or medical procedure orders. Examples include:
- ANED: Alive no evidence of disease. The patient arrived in the ER alive with no evidence of disease.
- ARF: Acute renal (kidney) failure
- cap: Capsule.
- CPAP: Continuous positive airway pressure. A treatment for sleep apnea.
- DJD: Degenerative joint disease. Another term for osteoarthritis.
- DM: Diabetes mellitus. Type 1 and type 2 diabetes
- HA: Headache
- IBD: Inflammatory bowel disease. A name for two disorders of the gastrointestinal (BI) tract, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis
- JT: Joint
- N/V: Nausea or vomiting.
- p.o.: By mouth. From the Latin terminology per os.
- q.i.d.: Four times daily. As in taking a medicine four times daily.
- RA: Rheumatoid arthritis
- SOB: Shortness of breath.
- T: Temperature. Temperature is recorded as part of the physical examination. It is one of the "vital signs."
Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)
The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a common cause of mononucleosis (viral pharyngitis). Symptoms and signs of an EBV infection include swollen lymph nodes, fever, rash, sore throat, malaise, and a swollen liver and/or spleen. Treatment focuses on reducing the severity of the symptoms and signs. There is no vaccine to prevent EBV infections.
How Do You Know If Your Child Has Mono?
Does your child have mono? Learn the symptoms to look out for and what you can do to treat this illness.
Mono (Infectious Mononucleosis)
Infectious mononucleosis is a virus infection in which there is an increase of white blood cells that are mononuclear (with a single nucleus) "Mono" and "kissing disease" are popular terms for this very common illness caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV).
Infectious Mono Pictures
Infectious mononucleosis. Swollen tonsils that appear red and with white lesions that may be oozing pus are a hallmark of infectious mononucleosis. It is considered highly contagious and is usually caused by the Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV). Mono spreads through saliva and therefore is sometimes called “kissing disease.”
Mononucleosis Slideshow
What is mononucleosis? How do you get mono? What does a mono rash look like? Learn about mono symptoms, treatment, and diagnosis. Discover how mononucleosis is caused by the Epstein Barr virus.
Is Mononucleosis (Mono) Contagious?
Mononucleosis (mono) is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus and can be transmitted by an infected person's saliva. Mono symptoms and signs include rash, enlarged spleen, swollen lymph nodes, fever, sore throat, and fatigue.