What diseases can be mistaken for mono?
Beware: There are other diseases that can mimic mononucleosis:
- Cytomegalovirus (CMV) mononucleosis.
- Toxoplasma gondii infection.
- Acute retroviral syndrome due to HIV infection.
- HHV-6 (human herpes virus 6)
- Adenovirus infection.
- Primary infection with herpes simplex virus type 1.
- Strep pyogenes pharyngitis (“strep throat”)
What infection is similar to mono?
Some otherwise healthy people with CMV infection develop a mononucleosis-like syndrome. CMV is a type of herpes virus. All herpes viruses remain in your body for the rest of your life after infection. If your immune system becomes weakened in the future, this virus may have the chance to reactivate, causing symptoms.
What can mimic EBV?
Other infections may mimic Epstein-Barr virus infectious mononucleosis, for example, cytomegalovirus, human herpes virus-6, toxoplasmosis, lymphoma, cat scratch fever, and rubella.
What mimics glandular fever?
Viral pharyngitis is the most likely alternative diagnosis to glandular fever. The most frequent causes are adenovirus and influenza. Patients are likely to present with less severe lymphadenopathy and pharyngitis compared to those with glandular fever. Pharyngeal exudate is also likely to be less prominent.
What’s the difference between mono and Epstein-Barr?
Epstein-Barr is the virus that causes mononucleosis. You might know this disease better by its nickname, “mono.” It’s also called the “kissing disease” because of one way you can spread it to someone else. Even though Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) isn’t a household name, you’ve probably been infected without knowing it.
Is Epstein-Barr an autoimmune disease?
Epstein-Barr infects B cells—a type of white blood cell in the immune system. This may explain the association between Epstein-Barr and the EBNA2 disorders: All seven are autoimmune diseases, conditions involving an abnormal immune response to a normal body part.
What is primary HSV?
The first eruption of skin or mouth sores with the herpes simplex virus (HSV) is called primary herpes. This may be more severe than the more commonly recognized than secondary, or recurrent, herpes infections, which are also called cold sores or fever blisters.
What is reactivated mono?
Once you’re infected with EBV, you carry the virus — usually in a dormant state — for the rest of your life. Sometimes, however, the virus may reactivate. When this happens, you’re not likely to become ill. Rarely, reactivated EBV may cause illness in people who have weak immune systems, such as those who have AIDS.
Can you have EBV but not mono?
Tosh, M.D. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a widespread human herpes virus, can cause mononucleosis — but usually it doesn’t. In fact, most EBV infections aren’t noticeable, even when they’re most active in your body. By age 35, almost everyone has antibodies to EBV, indicating past infection.
What does Monospot test detect?
Monospot test (heterophil test). This quick screening test detects a type of antibody (heterophil antibody) that forms during certain infections. A sample of blood is placed on a microscope slide and mixed with other substances. If heterophil antibodies are present, the blood clumps (agglutinates).
Is mono an autoimmune disease?
Scientists have known for decades that EBV, which causes an infectious disease named mononucleosis or “kissing disease,” is also linked to several autoimmune disorders, including multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis.
