Infectious mononucleosis (CMV)

Alternative names:

acute acquired cytomegalovirus infection; mononucleosis - CMV

Definition:

An acute viral infection causing high temperature, sore throat, and swollen lymph glands, especially in the neck (when caused by the cytomegalovirus).

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

The infection is caused by two viruses, the Epstein-Barr virus (EB) or cytomegalovirus (CMV pneumonia), both members of the herpes virus family. Infection with CMV occurs less commonly than Epstein-Barr. The infection is probably transmitted by saliva, sexual contact, respiratory droplets, and blood transfusions. Sore throat is less common in CMV infectious mononucleosis than in Epstein-Barr. While the peak incidence occurs in 15- to 17-year-old adolescents, the infection may occur at any age, usually between 10 and 35 years old. Abnormal lymphocytes (white blood cells) are seen in the peripheral blood and may persist for 2 to 8 weeks. Abnormalities of liver function are also characteristic. Risk factors other than age are not known. The incidence is 8 out of 100,000 people.