Infectious Mononucleosis

Infectious Disease · ~7% of blueprint

Pathophysiology: Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infecting B lymphocytes.
Signs & Symptoms: Fever, exudative pharyngitis, cervical lymphadenopathy, fatigue, splenomegaly.
Gold Standard Diagnosis: EBV-specific serologies (test of choice) + atypical lymphocytes; Monospot less sensitive, esp. young children.
First-line Treatment: Supportive care; no strenuous activity 3 wk, no contact sports 4 wk (splenic rupture); avoid amoxicillin.

High-Yield Pearl

Amoxicillin/ampicillin in mono → morbilliform rash; avoid contact sports (splenic rupture risk).

Sources

Reviewed September 2026

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