Infectious mononucleosis, also known as glandular fever or mono, is a viral infection that causes fever, sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes. The spelling of the word "infectious mononucleosis" can be confusing due to its long length and complex pronunciation. The IPA phonetic transcription of the word is /ɪnˌfɛkʃəs ˌmɒnəʊˌnjuːkliːˈəʊsɪs/, which highlights the variety of sounds - from the short "i" to long "e," the soft "ch" to the hard "k," and the silent "o" to the stressed "oo."
Infectious mononucleosis is a viral infection caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and is characterized by flu-like symptoms, including fever, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, and fatigue.
The disease is primarily spread through close contact with an infected person's saliva, generally through activities such as kissing, sharing utensils or toothbrushes, or by inhaling respiratory droplets. As a result, it is commonly known as the "kissing disease."
The incubation period for infectious mononucleosis is usually between four to six weeks, after which symptoms begin to appear. These symptoms typically last for one to two months but may persist for longer in some cases. During the infection, the virus primarily targets and replicates within B lymphocytes, leading to an enlargement of lymph nodes and spleen.
Diagnosing infectious mononucleosis may involve a physical examination, analysis of symptoms, and laboratory tests such as a blood test to detect the presence of antibodies against EBV. Treatment mainly focuses on relieving symptoms through bed rest, over-the-counter pain relievers, plenty of fluids, and a healthy diet.
While most cases of infectious mononucleosis resolve spontaneously and without complications, it is important to take precautions to prevent spreading the infection, especially among individuals with weakened immune systems. Additionally, rare but potentially severe complications may arise, such as liver inflammation, anemia, and rupture of the spleen, requiring medical attention.
The term "infectious mononucleosis" is a composition of multiple words that describe the condition.
1. Infectious: The word "infectious" comes from the Latin word "inficere", which means "to stain" or "to contaminate". It later evolved into the Latin word "infectiosus", which means "infective" or "contagious". In English, "infectious" refers to a disease that can be transmitted from one person to another.
2. Mono: "Mono" is derived from the Greek word "monos", meaning "one" or "alone". In this context, it signifies that the disease primarily affects or involves a single type of blood cell called mononuclear cells.
3. Nucleo: "Nucleo" is derived from the Latin word "nucleus", meaning "core" or "kernel".