Mononucleosis Diagnosis - Symptoms, Tests, And Common Challenges

How is mononucleosis diagnosed? Symptoms and Challenges

Mononucleosis diagnosis involves several tests, such as the mono, CBC, and EBV tests. However, several complications lie in the process. There is a chance of false negative assessments and difficulty diagnosing asymptomatic infections. Furthermore, it shares symptoms with other diseases, making diagnosis more complicated. You should see a doctor if you experience fever, swollen lymph nodes, and a severe sore throat. 

Introduction

Mononucleosis, also known as 'mono' or 'the kissing disease', is mainly caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. However, other viruses may cause mono. Although primarily common in teenagers and young adults, mono can occur at any age. Treatments can help alleviate symptoms till the illness goes away on its own.

In this blog, we will delve deep into mononucleosis diagnosis techniques, its symptoms, and what challenges you may face.

When Should You See a Doctor?

Mononucleosis usually lasts for 2 months. Each person may have different symptoms, but generally, the following symptoms appear:
 

• Fever
• Enlarged spleen
• Rash
• Liver inflammation
• Head and body aches
   

However, if you are experiencing any of the symptoms of mono diagnosis given below, a medical examination is necessary:

• Severe sore throat that lasts beyond a few days
• Feeling of being fatigued lasting more than 10 days
• Swollen lymph nodes
• White patches in the throat
• Fever that persists beyond 4 days
   

When the symptoms as given above persist, it becomes essential to consult a doctor and undergo a physical examination for mononucleosis diagnosis and to rule out other severe conditions such as hepatitis.
 

Physical Examination by a Doctor

Mononucleosis diagnosis usually begins with a physical examination after you consult a doctor. A healthcare professional first checks that the person can breathe normally and that their airway is clear.

However, in rare cases, swelling or an abscess can make it difficult to keep the airway open. Next, it is also important to check if the patient's blood circulation is stable. This procedure helps rule out severe conditions like a spleen injury or a rupture, which may happen in the early stages of mononucleosis.

Laboratory tests are usually not needed to detect infectious mononucleosis. Doctors may advise some patients to undergo specific tests. It is done for patients who do not have a typical case of mononucleosis.

Blood Test for Mononucleosis Diagnosis

In addition to physical examinations, your doctor may also suggest certain types of blood tests, which are as follows:

• White Blood Cell Count/Complete Blood Cell Count (CBC): Although it is a supportive test rather than conclusive, certain signs can support the diagnosis. The presence of certain types of white blood cells (atypical lymphocytes) may support the diagnosis.
• EBV Testing (EBV Specific Antibody Testing): EBV testing is generally more accurate than other tests. It detects EBV-specific antibodies in the blood in response to certain parts of the EBV or CMV.
• Heterophile Antibody Test: Also known as the monospot test, this checks for heterophile antibodies present in the body. If positive, mono tests indicate the presence of infectious mononucleosis in your body. It is useful for diagnosing infectious mononucleosis.
   

However, this test may also be falsely positive if you have another condition. Or, it can be falsely negative even if you have the illness.

Challenges in Mononucleosis Diagnosis

Mononucleosis diagnosis is not all that simple. There are several challenges that doctors and patients have to face during the entire procedure. Some of them are as follows:

• Difficulty in Recognising Asymptomatic Primary EBV Infections: EBV infections in children, especially under the age of 10, are often overlooked. It is because they are either entirely asymptomatic or do not present with an infectious syndrome.

A major challenge is that in cases of children, all heterophile antibody tests may render false negatives. Hence, suspected mononucleosis in children is difficult to confirm.

• Overlapping Symptoms With Other Diseases: Mononucleosis symptoms tend to be similar to other viral or bacterial infections. This makes it difficult to distinguish mono from other conditions, such as strep throat or flu. Fatigue, another common symptom, can be caused by various factors, making mononucleosis diagnosis more complicated.
• False Negatives Assessments: Mono tests may sometimes render false negatives, especially during the early stages of the illness and in children. Therefore, doctors perform repeated mono testing to determine the illness. However, in many cases, the heterophile antibody is never detected.

This presents a major challenge, as it can significantly delay diagnosis if the initial test turns out to be negative.

• Need for Further Testing: In cases where the heterophile tests have rendered a false negative or have turned out to be inconclusive, further testing is necessary. In those cases, your doctor may advise other blood tests, like EBV testing, to confirm the mononucleosis diagnosis.

What Happens After a Mononucleosis Diagnosis?
 

After a mononucleosis diagnosis, the next step usually involves managing your symptoms and getting plenty of rest. Treatment is generally supportive, involving managing the symptoms of mononucleosis. Anti-inflammatory medicines help to treat fever, sore throat, and fatigue.

Most people get better in 2 to 4 weeks after contracting the infection. During this period, you must:

• Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
• Get plenty of rest.
• Take over-the-counter medications for fever and pain.
   

However, you should avoid penicillin or antibiotics if you have infectious mononucleosis. Your doctor will prescribe medications depending on the severity of your condition.

Additionally, your spleen may become enlarged as a result of this infection. Therefore, you should avoid contact sports until you fully recover. Participating in contact sports may cause the spleen to rupture.

Final Thoughts

Since mononucleosis is a contagious disease, you can practise several prevention techniques to avoid contracting the disease. Maintain proper hygiene and avoid intimacy. Do not share your food, utensils, and other personal items.

If you suspect an infection, immediately visit your doctor. Mononucleosis diagnosis involves a physical examination followed by a blood test. Take proper rest and drink plenty of water to recover from this infection.