48: Epstein-Barr Virus Infections: (Infectious Mononucleosis)

Infectious mononucleosis is the most common manifestation of primary symptomatic Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection. It manifests typically as fever, pharyngitis with or without petechiae, exudative pharyngitis, lymphadenopathy, hepatosplenomegaly, and atypical lymphocytosis. The spectrum of disease is wide, ranging from asymptomatic to fatal infection. Infections are unrecognized or nonspecific in infants and young children. Rash can occur in up to 20% of patients and is more common in patients treated with antibiotics, most commonly with ampicillin or amoxicillin as well as with other penicillins. Central nervous system (CNS) manifestations include aseptic meningitis, encephalitis, myelitis, optic neuritis, cranial nerve palsies, transverse myelitis,...