Infectious Mononucleosis in Adults - A Diagnostic Challenge
G. Goltzman, S. Nagornov, M. Horwitz, M.J. Rapoport
Dept. of Internal Medicine C, Assaf Harofeh Medical Center, Zerifin
The adult form of mononucleosis caused by Ebstein-Barr virus (EBV) is different from the disease in children and adolescents. In most adults there is no pharyngitis or lymphadenopathy, fever is much more prolonged, abnormal liver function is frequent and lymphocytosis and the presence of atypical lymphocytes are not common. Such an atypical disease presentation often results in delayed diagnosis and unnecessary treatments. We describe 2 adults with such atypical presentations and complications of EBV infection.