It is believed that the causative agent of infectious mononucleosis (Filatov’s disease) is a filterable Epstein-Barr virus. Infection is likely only with very close contact of a sick person with a healthy one, occurs by airborne droplets. Children get sick more often. The incidence is noted all year round, but is higher in the autumn months.
Symptoms and course of infectious mononucleosis (Filatov’s disease). The duration of the incubation period is 5-20 days. Signs are formed gradually, reaching a maximum by the end of the first, beginning of the second week. There is a slight malaise in the first 2-3 days of the disease, accompanied by a slight increase in temperature and mild changes in the lymph nodes and pharynx. At the height of the disease, fever, inflammation in the pharynx, enlargement of the spleen, liver and posterior lymph nodes are observed. The duration of the temperature reaction is from 1-2 days to 3 weeks – the longer the period, the higher the rise in temperature. Characterized by temperature fluctuations during the day at 1-2 degrees. The enlargement of the lymph nodes is most distinct and constant in the cervical group, along the posterior edge of the sternocleidomastoid muscle. They may be in the form of a chain or a package. In diameter, individual nodes reach 2-3 cm. There is no swelling of the cervical tissue. The nodes are not soldered to each other, they are mobile.