GC: n

S: MedlinePlus – http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/infectiousmononucleosis.html (last access: 27 August 2014); DORLAND.

N: 1. mononucleosis, formally infectious mononucleosis or glandular fever, infection in humans, caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), whose most common symptoms are fever, general malaise, and sore throat. The disease occurs predominantly in persons from 10 to 35 years old, but it is known to appear at any age. Infection of young children by the EBV usually causes little or no illness, although it does confer immunity against mononucleosis. A condition very similar to mononucleosis may be caused by the agents cytomegalovirus and Toxoplasma gondii.
2. Infectious mononucleosis, or “mono”, is an infection usually caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. The virus spreads through saliva, which is why it’s sometimes called “kissing disease.” Mono occurs most often in teens and young adults. However, you can get it at any age. Symptoms of mono include:

• Fever
• Sore throat
• Swollen lymph glands.

3. Cultural Interrelation: Mononucleosis is transmitted primarily by oral contact with exchange of saliva—hence its popular name, “the kissing disease.”

N: 1. EncBrit. 2. MedlinePlus – http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/infectiousmononucleosis.html (last access: 27 August 2014). 3. EncBrit; FCB.

SYN: glandular fever

S: EncBrit.

CR: virus