B27.1: Cytomegaloviral mononucleosis

Mononucleosis is caused by viruses. These viruses are transmitted from person to person via the saliva, for example. Some of the viruses remain in your body throughout your life. For example, if you are stressed or the defense system is weakened, the viruses can cause symptoms again.

Mononucleosis can be accompanied by different symptoms. People usually have a high temperature and pains in their limbs. You usually get an inflamed throat. The throat then turns red and swallowing is painful. The lymph nodes, particularly in the neck, can also become very swollen. The lymph nodes are small bean-shaped objects. They are found throughout the body. Lymph nodes filter the tissue fluid. They are part of the defense system.

With mononucleosis, your spleen and liver may become enlarged. The spleen is on the top left side of the abdomen. Old blood cells are broken down in the spleen. Furthermore, defense cells are stored. If the defense cells are needed, they are then released from the spleen into the blood. The liver is an important organ on the top right of the abdomen. For example, it helps with blood clotting and detoxifying the body. Nutrients from food are processed in the liver.