Mononucleosis Research Paper
Mononucleosis: The Kissing Disease
Grand Canyon University: NRS-427V Concepts in Community and Public Health
September 25, 2014
Since the 1800’s, Infectious Mononucleosis(IM) has been recognized as a clinical syndrome of pharyngitis, fever, and adenopathy. (Boe, 26) It wasn’t until the 1960’s that the association was discovered between infectious mononucleosis and the Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV). Infectious Mononucleosis is also named for the two researches who described the syndrome as infectious: Filatov Disease in 1887 and later Pfeiffer’s Disease in 1889. This disease is easily transmitted among young adults, usually oral and is often called the “kissing disease”.(Boe 26) The Epstein-Barr virus is a member of the Herpes family which …show more content…
With adults and the elderly population epidemiology does not support the likelihood of IM. Adults older than 40 account for only 7.5% of cases of IM.(Saccomano, 46) The majority of patients with IM recover and are able to return to their normal activity within two to three months. However, there are several complications that can develop. The most commonly reported complication is chronic fatigue. In a study of 12-18 year olds who had IM, chronic fatigue was reported in 13%, 7%, and 4% of patients at 6, 12 and 24months. It was concluded that from this study that IM during adolescence may be a risk factor for chronic fatigue syndrome later in life. (Saccomano, 47) A more serious but less common complication of IM is upper respiratory obstruction which occurs in only 1% to 5% of patients. The obstruction is related to the enlarged tonsils and the swelling within the throat. This complication may require hospitalization with appropriate interventions such as IV corticosteroids, possible tonsillectomy/adenoidectomy, and worst case endotracheal intubation. A less common but much more serious complication is a splenic rupture. This develops in 0.5% to 1% of patients with IM. This condition requires immediate and emergent surgery. …show more content…
The FDA conducted a clinical trial, which enrolled 20 Minnesota college students with lab confirmed primary EBV. They received oral washings with an experimental drug called valacyclovir, this drug did show a decrease in the severity of the EBV viral load which decreased the severity of the symptoms. Because of the lower viral load there was subsequently decreased transmission. There is also ongoing research to establish a vaccine to prevent EBV, therefore, preventing the development of IM. (Singer, 62)
References
Boe, G. P. (2013). Infectious Mononucleosis: A Brief Review. Journal Of Continuing Education Topics & Issues, 15(1), 26-28.
Saccomano, S. J., & Ferrara, L. R. (2013). Infectious Mononucleosis. Clinician Reviews, 23(6), 42-49.
Thaddaus Hellwig, PharmD, Kaitlyn Jude, PharmD candidate, Brittney Meyer, PharmD, US Pharmacist. 2013;38(5):38-41. © 2013 Jobson Publishing www.CDC.govMaurer, F. A., & Smith, C. M. (2013). COMMUITY/PUBLIC HEALTH NURSING PRACTICE Health for Families and Populations 5th ed. St. Louis: Elsevier Saunders, chap 8(204-205)
Singer-Leshinsky, S. (2012). Pathogenesis, diagnostic testing, and management of mononucleosis. JAAPA: Journal Of The American Academy Of Physician Assistants (Haymarket Media, Inc.), 25(5),
Grand Canyon University: NRS-427V Concepts in Community and Public Health
September 25, 2014
Since the 1800’s, Infectious Mononucleosis(IM) has been recognized as a clinical syndrome of pharyngitis, fever, and adenopathy. (Boe, 26) It wasn’t until the 1960’s that the association was discovered between infectious mononucleosis and the Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV). Infectious Mononucleosis is also named for the two researches who described the syndrome as infectious: Filatov Disease in 1887 and later Pfeiffer’s Disease in 1889. This disease is easily transmitted among young adults, usually oral and is often called the “kissing disease”.(Boe 26) The Epstein-Barr virus is a member of the Herpes family which …show more content…
With adults and the elderly population epidemiology does not support the likelihood of IM. Adults older than 40 account for only 7.5% of cases of IM.(Saccomano, 46) The majority of patients with IM recover and are able to return to their normal activity within two to three months. However, there are several complications that can develop. The most commonly reported complication is chronic fatigue. In a study of 12-18 year olds who had IM, chronic fatigue was reported in 13%, 7%, and 4% of patients at 6, 12 and 24months. It was concluded that from this study that IM during adolescence may be a risk factor for chronic fatigue syndrome later in life. (Saccomano, 47) A more serious but less common complication of IM is upper respiratory obstruction which occurs in only 1% to 5% of patients. The obstruction is related to the enlarged tonsils and the swelling within the throat. This complication may require hospitalization with appropriate interventions such as IV corticosteroids, possible tonsillectomy/adenoidectomy, and worst case endotracheal intubation. A less common but much more serious complication is a splenic rupture. This develops in 0.5% to 1% of patients with IM. This condition requires immediate and emergent surgery. …show more content…
The FDA conducted a clinical trial, which enrolled 20 Minnesota college students with lab confirmed primary EBV. They received oral washings with an experimental drug called valacyclovir, this drug did show a decrease in the severity of the EBV viral load which decreased the severity of the symptoms. Because of the lower viral load there was subsequently decreased transmission. There is also ongoing research to establish a vaccine to prevent EBV, therefore, preventing the development of IM. (Singer, 62)
References
Boe, G. P. (2013). Infectious Mononucleosis: A Brief Review. Journal Of Continuing Education Topics & Issues, 15(1), 26-28.
Saccomano, S. J., & Ferrara, L. R. (2013). Infectious Mononucleosis. Clinician Reviews, 23(6), 42-49.
Thaddaus Hellwig, PharmD, Kaitlyn Jude, PharmD candidate, Brittney Meyer, PharmD, US Pharmacist. 2013;38(5):38-41. © 2013 Jobson Publishing www.CDC.govMaurer, F. A., & Smith, C. M. (2013). COMMUITY/PUBLIC HEALTH NURSING PRACTICE Health for Families and Populations 5th ed. St. Louis: Elsevier Saunders, chap 8(204-205)
Singer-Leshinsky, S. (2012). Pathogenesis, diagnostic testing, and management of mononucleosis. JAAPA: Journal Of The American Academy Of Physician Assistants (Haymarket Media, Inc.), 25(5),