Infectious mononucleosis (mono), also known as glandular fever or kissing disease, is a viral illness that causes flu-like symptoms, tiredness, and enlargement of the lymph glands. Mono occurs globally in any season. Although it is common among adolescents and young adults, infants may contract viruses through the oral secretions of parents, siblings, or anyone who is infected and in close contact with them (1). Read this MomJunction post to know about the causes, signs, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mononucleosis in babies.
Causes Of Mononucleosis In Babies
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) or human gammaherpesvirus is the primary cause of infectious mononucleosis. Other viruses, such as cytomegalovirus, can also cause mononucleosis, but the clinical presentation may vary from EBV infection. The incubation period of mono can be around six weeks. During this time, the virus replicates in the oral cavity and enters the blood. The exact time of virus transmission is not known (2) The disease usually spreads from the saliva of infected people. Babies may contract the infection in any of the following ways (1):
Kissing Exposure to sneeze or cough Sharing spoons or glasses Chewing used toothbrushes
Pre-chewing foods (premastication or kiss feeding, which means chewing food in order to feed that to the baby) Straws
It is a contagious disease, and the virus may remain inactive in babies’ throat and blood cells for a long time after the acute illness.
Signs And Symptoms Of Mononucleosis In Babies
Some babies may not develop any symptoms or may have only mild symptoms of mono. The following symptoms are usually seen in a few babies (3) (4):
Fever Fatigue Sore throat Skin rash
Difficulty in swallowing Swollen lymph glands, often in the neck, underarms, and groin Body ache Swollen liver Jaundice (rare) Spleen swelling
Although rare, you may also notice the following signs and symptoms:
Decreased appetite Swollen eyelids Photosensitivity Anemia
The signs and symptoms may disappear in four weeks; however, in some cases, babies may have extreme fatigue for a few more weeks. These symptoms can also be seen in other diseases and, therefore, you may seek medical care for an exact diagnosis. The virus can remain inactive in the oral cavity and blood cells for a lifetime after the infection. Usually, there is no risk for developing mononucleosis again after the primary infection. Symptoms may come on gradually about 4-6 weeks after someone is infected with the virus. When symptoms appear, they may be severe for a few days before slowly getting milder. If symptoms linger or get worse, call your doctor.
Complications Of Mono In Babies
The course of mononucleosis is comparatively mild in babies. However, there is a risk of developing complications, such as (1) (5):
Upper airway obstruction from swollen tonsils
Meningitis—inflammation of the membrane covering the brain and spinal cord. Fever, stiff neck, and bulging of the head are often noticed in babies during meningitis.
Encephalitis—inflammation of the brain. You may notice sleepiness, skin rash, stiff neck, etc. during encephalitis. Babies may also have seizures during brain inflammation.
Guillain-Baree syndrome—a rare complication in which the immune system attacks the nerves. It may occur later in the course of the disease and is often associated with neurological symptoms (6).
Myocarditis—an inflammation of the heart muscles often associated with high viral load.
Thrombocytopenia a rare form of EBV infection associated with a slight decrease in platelet count.
Orchitis—an inflammation of the testes.
Rupture of the spleen
Diagnosis Of Mononucleosis In Babies
Your doctor may diagnose mononucleosis from symptoms and examination of the lymph glands. The following tests may be done to confirm the diagnosis (7):
Blood tests: White blood cell count and the presence of atypical lymphocytes are crucial to the diagnosis of mono.
Monospot test or heterophile antibody test: This test helps identify the antibodies produced as a result of an EBV infection. Antibody analysis helps differentiate the cause of mononucleosis. Viruses other than EBV give negative results during heterophile antibody tests.
Your doctor may also order some additional tests to diagnose mononucleosis. Complications often require ECG or EEG tests, or cerebrospinal fluid analysis.
Treatment Of Mononucleosis In Babies
Mononucleosis is a self-limiting disease in healthy babies, and the symptoms are relieved within two to eight weeks. There is no particular therapy or vaccine to treat or prevent mononucleosis. The following ways may help your baby in recovery (8) (9):
Giving enough fluids or breastmilk
Taking enough rest to recover
Administering acetaminophen for fever and pain
Administering corticosteroids to reduce throat pain and swelling if the swollen tonsils cause breathing problems
Do not give over-the-counter medications to babies without a doctor’s advice. Your baby may require hospitalization in severe cases. Mono can be critical in babies with low immunity, and they may require supportive treatments and antiviral treatments. Your doctor may prescribe medications based on the severity of symptoms and complications of mono. Note: Antibiotic treatments are not given since mono is a viral infection. Inappropriate use of antibiotics could lead to resistance.
Prevention Of Mono In Babies
There is no approved vaccine or medication to prevent mononucleosis. The following tips may help prevent mono in babies (10):
Do not share the baby’s utensils with other family members
Grind or crush solid food for babies instead of pre-chewing
Keep used toothbrushes or teethers out of babies’ reach
