Case study mono - Disease: Infectious mononucleosis Infectious Agent: Epstein - Barr virus PDF

Preview

Summary

Disease: Infectious mononucleosis
Infectious Agent: Epstein - Barr virus
...

Description

BIO 235 D01 Case Study December 6, 2017

Case Study #34 Disease: Infectious mononucleosis Infectious Agent: Epstein - Barr virus

Interpretation of relevant history and clinical/lab findings: 

18 year old female

Patient’s age is consistent for the population that is usually affected by mononucleosis Symptoms      

Hoarse Difficulty swallowing 1-week sore throat Fever Fatigue Myalgia (muscle pain)

Examination      

Enlarged tonsils Exudate present (fluid) Tenderness in front and back of neck Lymphadenopathy ( swollen lymph nodes) Splenomegaly (enlarged spleen) Patient’s symptoms show a reaction to an infectious agent in the throat area. Examination is consistent with EBV, especially due to the enlarged spleen (2).

Lab results and translation        

Hematocrit 44% (these are normal range) White Blood Cell 8,000 uL (40% neutrophils, 28% lymphocytes, 12% atypical lymphocytes, 20% monocytes) -normal range Liver function- normal Chest x-ray - normal Electrolytes- normal Throat culture- negative for gonococcal and beta-hemolytic streptococcal Viral serology- positive Lab findings ruled out bacteria as infectious agent. Viral serology proves that Epstein Barr virus is the cause for the patient’s symptoms.

1.

What type of cell is infected with this virus? Epstein - Barr virus, otherwise known as human herpesvirus 4. The Epstein - Barr virus is known to be able to infect different types of cells in the body: some salivary gland cells, epithelial cells, and one special type of white blood cell (B-cells). (1)

2. How might she have acquired this infection? She may have acquired this infection by kissing (saliva), although it can also be acquired through sharing drinks, using the same cups, eating utensils, or toothbrushes. It’s also possible to get infected by having contact with toys that children have drooled on. 3. What complications can this virus cause? Complications this virus can cause infection of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves causing meningitis, encephalitis, and optic neuritis (swelling of the eye nerve).Some may also experience hepatitis and jaundice, anemia, thrombocytopenia (Low platelet level). It can also weaken the immune system. The tissue near tonsils can become filled with pus and the air passages can be blocked in the nose and throat. Secondary infections of the sinus and throat can also be complications caused by this virus. (4)

4. Are there any antiviral agents currently in use to treat this illness and what advice would you give this patient for managing her illness? Care is largely supportive and typically includes plenty of rest and fluids as well as treatment of the symptoms. Avoiding any contact sports or heavy lifting for several weeks to months may be recommended to avoid spleen rupture. There are no antiviral medications available to speed healing; however, antivirals and steroids can be used to treat symptoms in severe cases. The treatment is more for the patient’s symptoms. I would recommend NSAIDs, such as Advil, for the fever and muscle pain. Again, she should eat well, and drink plenty of fluids to recover. Also, stay away from other people that may be sick (3).

Definitions: Hematocrit- measures the percentage of a person's total blood volume that consists of red blood cells.

White blood cell (WBC) count- is a count of the total number of white blood cells in a person's sample of blood. Viral serology- testing monitors the immune system's antibody response to viral antigen exposure, including both infection and immunization.

Work Cited: 1. https://microbewiki.kenyon.edu/index.php/Epstein-Barr_Virus 2. https://www.cdc.gov/epstein-barr/about-mono.htmlv

3. Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) Antibody Tests.” Lab Tests Online: Empower Your Health. Understand Your Tests. A Public Resource on Clinical Laboratory Testing., labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/ebv/tab/sample. 4. “Mononucleosis.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 3 Aug. 2017, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mononucleosis/symptomscauses/syc-20350328....