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| Epstein Barr Virus. Source: CDC |
Author: Dr Paul Auwaerter Johns Hopkins University Baltimore 2008-07-19
Introduction
Infectious mononucleosis [IM] is a viral illness that most commonly
afflicts adolescents and young adults. IM causes fever, severe sore
throat, swollen lymph glands, and fatigue; it is caused by the
Epstein-Barr virus [EBV], a member of the human herpesvirus family that
occurs throughout the globe. At some point in their lives, most people
eventually become infected with EBV, but the age that EBV is acquired is
a significant determinant of whether IM may develop. When EBV infects
during childhood, most often it causes no symptoms or only minimal
problems that may appear like a routine viral infection. However, in
teenagers and adults, significant symptoms may arise in 35-70% of newly
infected. Why IM develops appears to be due to the variability of an
individual's immune response that can be more vigorous against EBV as
one ages. The precise explanations are unknown, but likely depend on
individual genetic factors directing the immune system as well as prior
encounters with infections that have molded the immune responses.
Introduction