Glossary of Medical and Health Terms

Infectious Mononucleosis (Kissing Disease, Pfeiffer's Disease, or Glandular Fever)

Infectious mononucleosis, also known as kissing disease, or Pfeiffer's disease, in North America as mono and more commonly known as glandular fever in other English-speaking countries. It occurs most commonly in adolescents and young adults, where it is characterized by fever, sore throat, muscle soreness, and fatigue.

Infectious Mononucleosis typically produces a very mild illness in small children, but is usually asymptomatic. Mononucleosis is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), which infects B cells (B-lymphocytes), producing a reactive lymphocytosis and atypical T cells (T-lymphocytes) known as Downey bodies.

The name comes because the number of mononuclear leukocytes (white blood cells with a one-lobed nucleus) rises significantly. There are two main types of mononuclear leukocytes: monocytes and lymphocytes. Normal blood values are 35% of all white blood cells. With infectious mononucleosis, this can rise to 50-70%. Also, the total white blood count may increase to 10,000-20,000 per cubic millimeter (normally 4,000-11,000).

Associated ICD-10 code: B27.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infectious_mononucleosis

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