INTRODUCTION: Infectious mononucleosis is a acute infectious disease, caused by Epstein-Barr virus (EVB) that belongs to the Herpesviridae.

It is mostly common among the teenagers and young people. The main mechanism of infection is the droplet one, through an infected saliva. Therefore, the disease is also known as kissing disease. EBV can also be transferred through blood transfusion, blood products and contactconsumer way, through objects contaminated with infected saliva. The secondary attack rates of infectious mononucleosis are low (about 10%). Serologic researches proved that 90% of the people in Europe had contact with the virus and its healthy carriers. In some geographic areas the infection with the virus is connected with a number of malignant diseases such as nasopharyngeal carcinoma, B u r k i t t l y m p h o m a , H o d z h k i n s l y m p h o m a a n d o t h e r lymphoproliferative disorders. The virus penetrates through the epithelium of the oropharynx. It replicates in the oropharyngeal epithelium cells and B-lymphocytes. EBV adheses to B-lymphocytes, through CD21- the i r ant igen provoke s the i r t r ans forma t ion and proliferation. In the course of infection, in the peripheral blood there appear a large number of atypical lymphocytes resulting from the polyclonal activation of cytotoxic-suppressor CD8 cells. They limit the excessive transformation and proliferation of B-cells. In the event of inefficacious T-cell immune response, one can develop persistent infection and uncontrolled B-cell proliferation that is in the basis of the EBV oncogeni c pot ent i a l . The vi rus pos s e s s e s a numbe r of antigens against which in the course of immunogenesis antibodies are formed: early antigen (EA), virus capsid antigen (VCA), nuclear antigen (NA). C l i n i c a l l y, t h e i n f e c t i o u s m o n o n u c l e o s i s i s characterised with high temperature, flue, lymphonodylopathy, frequently hepatosplenomegaly. The process is observed and registered when there are data about active EBV infection for more than 6 months.

Infectious mononucleosis has consistently been reported as being most common in the white race. In the Philippines, it is perceived as uncommon. Thus many physicians in the local setting are not familiar with the details of management of this disease. But this article reports that it may not be as uncommon in Asians, particularly Filipinos, as believed. It describes three patients diagnosed with infectious mononucleosis, and describes their course and management. Lessons learned and recommendations for this "unfamiliar" disease are discussed. (Author)

Infectious mononucleosis, or "mono", is an infection 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 15 to 17-year-olds. However, you can get it at any age. Symptoms of mono include Fever Sore throat Swollen lymph glands

Sometimes you may also have a swollen spleen. Serious problems are rare. A blood test can show if you have mono. Most people get better in two to four weeks. However, you may feel tired for a few months afterward. Treatment focuses on helping symptoms and includes medicines for pain and fever, warm salt water gargles and plenty of rest and fluids.