Hematological complications
Infectious mononucleosis can cause thrombocytopenia and hemolytic anemia. Thrombocytopenia is usually evident by the presence of red spots (petechiae), and bleeding tendencies in the patient. Anemia usually comes with weakness, fatigue, pale conjunctiva, breathlessness, pallor of the skin, dizziness, tiredness, orthostatic hypotension, and low blood pressure.
Infectious mononucleosis is diagnosed by the Monospot test, also known as the Paul-Bunnell test; it is used to detect heterophile antibodies. But this test can be used only during the acute illness. Another method for the diagnosis is through the detection of anti-EBV nuclear antigen IgM antibodies (anti-EBNA antibodies).
Mononucleosis is treated symptomatically. There is no antiviral drug effective against this virus. In case there’s an infection of a group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus, antibiotics can be given to prevent severe complications. Acetaminophen and corticosteroids are usually used to relieve pain symptoms, inflammation and to control the rises of temperature.