Clinical Assessment of 38 Cases of Infectious Mononucleosis

Abstract

We reviewed the clinical profiles of 38 patients with diagnosed or suspected infectious mononucleosis. Formation of a pseudo-membrane localized at the palatine tonsils, and pseudo-membrane extended to the epipharynx was observed in 81% and 72% of the 38 patients, respectively. Tumescence of the cervical lymph nodes was detected in all and 44%of them had enlargement of the lymph nodes in both the axillary and inguinal regions. Skineruptions were seen in 21% of them. All showed an increase of mononuclear cells of up to 50% in the peripheral blood and in 47% emergence of atypical lymphocytes, of more than 10%. A significant increase in the EB virus antibody titer due to infection was revealed in 58% and positive Paul-Bunnel test in 33% of the patients. The diagnosis of infectious mononucleosis was confirmed by EB virus study in only 19 patients. Development of a more sensitive serological technique is needed.