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Epstein-Barr Virus (Infectious Mononucleosis), Pediatric

Jessica R. Newman, DO Reviewed 10/2018
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a double-stranded DNA virus implicated as a causative agent for infectious mononucleosis by an infected laboratory worker in 1968. 

EPIDEMIOLOGY

  • Worldwide d...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • A prodrome may occur.

    • Most often, lasts 3 to 5 days

    • Malaise, fatigue, with or without fever

  • In the acute phase, the following features are common:

    • Fever: begins abruptly, lasts 1 to 2 wee...

TREATMENT

MEDICATION

  • Acetaminophen or ibuprofen reduces fever and provides analgesia.

  • Corticosteroids (prednisone 1 mg/kg/24 h PO, maximum of 20 mg/24 h) may reduce swelling of lymphoid tissues (see “FA...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

Patient Monitoring

  • Immunocompetent individuals usually recover uneventfully in 1 to 4 weeks.

  • Recovery is often biphasic, with a worsening of symptoms after a period...

ADDITIONAL READING

  • Balfour HH Jr, Dunmire SK, Hogquist KA. Infectious mononucleosis. Clin Transl Immunology.  2015;4(2):e33. [View Abstract on OvidInsights]

  • Bravender T. Epstein-Barr virus, cytome...

CODES

ICD9

075 Infectious mononucleosis 

ICD10

  • B27.90 Infectious mononucleosis, unspecified without complication

  • B27.99 Infectious mononucleosis, unsp with other complication

  • B27.91 Infectious mononucleosi...

FAQ

  • Q: Is a monospot test sensitive for diagnosing acute infection?

  • A: Heterophile antibodies can be negative in up to 25% of patients in the 1st week of illness, so other diagnostics such as PCR may b...

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