Mononucleosis

=__MONONUCLEOSIS__=

**- Description of virus -**
// **Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV):** // * also called Lymphocryptovirus and Human Herpesvirus 4 (HHV-4) - major (most common) cause of mononucleosis - a member of the herpesvirus/herpes simplex 'family' - found in cells grown from tissues related to lymphatic cancer - capable of both lytic and lysogenic life cycles - Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) core - infects only 2 types of cells (known types):
 * 1 of 8 distinct viruses (of this family) that cause diseases in humans
 * large, double-stranded, linear
 * some salivary gland cells
 * one type of white blood cell (B-lymphocyte, B-cell)
 * can multiply, resulting in lymphatic cancer

//** Cytomegalovirus (CMV) **// * also known as HCMV or Human Herpesvirus 5 (HHV-5) - a member of the herpesvirus/herpes simplex 'family' - both lytic and lysogenic life cycles - spread via direct contact (carried by people) - no treatments for CMV infections - DNA core, no envelope, spikes of Glycoprotein III and Glycoprotein I
 * 1 of 8 distinct viruses (of this family) that cause diseases in humans
 * stays alive, but latent, in the body for life

**- Viral Specificity -**
- Affects lymph tissues and glands located in the neck, armpits, groin, brochial tubes, spleen and liver - Lymph nodes will swell and become tender because lymphatic fluid doesn't drain properly - Spleen may become enlarged with abnormal leukocytes in the blood - Affects respiratory system - Abnormal liver function may be found

**- Symptoms and progression of the disease -**
//**Incubation Period**//
 * -** 4 - 8 weeks after exposure to the virus

- Fever ranging up to 105**°**F - Sore throat - Swollen glands (spleen, liver, lymph nodes) - Fatigue/drowsiness - Headache - Jaundice (yellowness of skin and whites of eyes) - Generalized aching/muscle stiffness - Loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting - Chest pain - Coughing - Skin rashes - Depression - Insomnia
 * //Symptoms//[[image:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/ea/Main_symptoms_of_Infectious_mononucleosis.svg/500px-Main_symptoms_of_Infectious_mononucleosis.svg.png width="328" height="341" align="right" caption="Symptoms of Mononucleosis"]]**

//**Symptom Progression**// - Majority of people will have no symptoms or mild flu-like symptoms - Others will have symptoms starting slowly with fatigue, feeling ill, headaches and sore throat. - Fever drops in 10 days - Glands heal in 4 weeks - Fatigue lasts 3 weeks to 3 months

//**Complications**// - 50% have enlarged spleens - If the spleen ruptures, can cause drop in blood pressure and lead to shock - 20% have enlarged livers - May cause death in people with weakened immune systems - Anemia - Hepatitis - Neurological complications (Bells Palsy)

**- Common Methods of Transmission -**
saliva/ mucus paticles remain in the air for others to breathe in) ||
 * ~ //Mode of Transmission// ||~ //Examples+ Explanations// ||
 * direct contact || kissing (saliva is passed) ||
 * inhaling respiratory particles || sneezing, coughing (infected
 * upon infection, one is usually able to transmit the virus/ infect others for 3 weeks minimum

**- Treatment and Prevention (if any) -**
//**Treatment**// - No cure - Antibiotics should not be given unless there is a positive strep test - Rest - Hydrate (plenty of fluids) - Acetominophen/Ibuprofen for pain and fever - Sore throat remedies - If spleen and/or liver are swollen, avoid sports (especially those involving vigorous contact) to prevent rupture and damage - Gargling with warm salt water - Eating foods rich in folate (vitamin B9)
 * Helps fatigue and speed up recovery (helps the body make new cells and antibodies)
 * Examples: leafy green vegetables, asparagus, sunflower seeds, whole wheat, eggs, beans, melons, etc.

//**Prevention**// - Avoid kissing or sharing utensils with someone who has mononucleosis - Avoiding close personal contact with those infected - Thoroughly washing any surfaces or objects that have come into contact with saliva - Frequently washing your hands - Avoid sharing food and beverages - Avoid stress-inducing activities (helps prevent the contraction of viruses )

**- Miscellaneous -**
- "Mononucleosis" comes from the large number of unusually shaped white blood cells with one nucleus (mononuclear) - Certain antibiotics will make the disease worse - A secondary infection, like hepatitis, can develop - Most common of those aged 10 to 35 years old - Mono is mostly found in the United States, Canada, and Europe - Post-Pump Syndrome: contracting it through a blood transfusion post-cardiac surgery - 90-95% of men and women have been infected with EBV
 * Up to 90 percent of people with mono will get a severe rash if they take ampicillin or amoxicillin

**- Resources accessed -**
Title of article: Mononeucleosis Author: Medline Plus URL: []

Title of article: Infectious Mononucleosis: The Facts on Infectious Mononucleosis Author: MediResources Inc. URL: []

Title of article: Infectious Mononucleosis (Mono) Author: Melissa Conrad Stoppler, MD URL: []

Title of article: Cytomegalovirus Author: Directors of Health Promotion and Education URL: []

Title of article: Mono Disease: Prevention of mono Author: monotreatment.com URL: []

Title of article: Epstein-Barr virus Author: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia URL: []

Title of article: Herpesviridae Author: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia URL: []

Title of article: Cytomegalovirus Author: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia URL: []