Infectious Mononucleosis: Epidemiology and Viral Mechanism

Epidemiology

• At least 90% of adults worldwide are seropositive for EBV, with 40-90% seroprevalence by adolescence depending on socioeconomic status, as stated by the American Academy of Pediatrics 1

Viral Mechanism

• EBV's oncogenic potential relates to its ability to transform and immortalize B-lymphocytes, which can lead to uncontrolled proliferation particularly in immunodeficient individuals, according to the American Society of Transplantation 1
• Chronic Active EBV Infection (CAEBV) is characterized by persistent or recurrent infectious mononucleosis-like symptoms lasting weeks to months, including persistent fever, lymphadenopathy, and/or hepatosplenomegaly, as reported by the American Society of Hematology 2

Mononucleosis Causes and Diagnosis

Primary Pathogen

• The American Journal of Hematology states that Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is the primary cause of infectious mononucleosis, but cytomegalovirus (CMV), Toxoplasma gondii, and acute HIV infection can also produce mononucleosis syndromes 3, 4