Infectious Mononucleosis

Diagnostic Criteria and Clinical FeaturesIn a disease that characteristically presents such varied symptoms and signs it was found that final diagnosis required an assessment of clinical, haematological, and serological findings. ClnicalPosterior cervical glands were invariably palpable.Axillary and groin glands were commonly enlarged, but the spleen was palpable in less than half the cases (Table II).Tonsillar and/or faucial injection was the rule and exudate was present in over half the cases.This was creamy, and was easily removable without bleeding: fetor was common.Faucial oedema was frequently seen-in one case severe enough to obstruct respiration.Dramatic relief followed an injection of hydrocortisone.Respiratory Pathogens.-Nose,throat, and post-nasal swabs were taken from each patient on admission, subsequently being repeated in many instances.Pathogens were isolated in only 19 cases (24%) (Table II).Admittedly 44 patients (55%) had been given antibiotics before admission, but respiratory pathogens were still JANUARY.