Infectious Mononucleosis And Stem Cell Therapy

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Infectious Mononucleosis And Stem Cell Therapy

Stem Cell Therapies

Stem Cell Therapy

This disease is also known as glandular fever. This disease represents a group of symptoms that is mostly caused by a virus known as the Epstein-Barr virus. This medical condition mostly affects children, although it can also affect anybody, regardless of age. The most common mode of transmission of this disease is through the mouth, especially through the exchange of saliva between people. The majority of people contract this disease in their childhood, however, the disease is mostly asymptomatic in children. Infectious mononucleosis usually presents in young adults with fever, fatigue, enlargement of the lymph nodes of the neck, sore throat and so on. Most people recover from the disease in less than a month in most cases. Apart from the Epstein –Barr virus, other viruses could also be responsible for causing this disease. Currently, there are no vaccines for the disease, however, people can protect themselves from not having this disease by not using or sharing stuff or exchange body fluid with those already infected with the disease. The predominantly affected age group are between 15 to 25 years

What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Infectious Mononucleosis?

The signs and symptoms of this very, and it largely depends on the age group affected. However, below are some general symptoms of this disease;

  1. Fever
  2. Chronic fatigue syndrome: This is a condition in which affected people feel tired consistently, for over 6 months. The fatigue they experience does not resolve, even after they’ve had a long sleep or rest.
  3. Weakness of the muscles
  4. The patient might experience hepatosplenomegaly. This can be easily palpated by the physician during a physical
  5. Patients also do complain of excessive night sweats
  6. Patients do present with swollen lymph glands, especially in the neck, and in the axilla region.
  7. Sore
  8. Nausea and vomiting
  9. Headaches
  10. General body pains.
  11. A small fraction of patients does present with a rash on the body. This is mostly located on the trunk and also on the extremities.

In adults, symptoms might present differently from in children. For example, adults do not always present with the symptoms found in children, they mostly present with symptoms like chronic fatigue syndrome, persistent fever, pains in the body, and lethargy.

What Are The Causes Of Infectious Mononucleosis?

Infectious mononucleosis is an infectious disease, that is mostly caused by viruses. The most common virus responsible for this disease is the Epstein-Barr virus.  Another virus that could cause this disease includes cytomegalovirus.

Epstein-Barr Virus

About ninety-five percent of infectious mononucleosis cases are caused by Epstein Barr virus. This is a DNA virus, and it’s one of the most common viri in the world. As opposed to general belief, this virus is not highly contagious, and can only be gotten when one has a direct contact with someone affected by the virus. This virus can be gotten by exchanging saliva with an infected individual. Acts such as sharing eating utensils, exchanging body fluids, just like in kissing are ways to easily be infected with this virus. Most people of the world would have already been exposed to this virus before they turn 40, however, only about 40% of adults exposed to this disease would be infected, while the number stands at an average of 17% in children.

Cytomegalovirus

Less than 10% of all infectious mononucleosis cases are caused by cytomegalovirus. Just like Epstein-Barr virus, this virus is present in body fluids such as the saliva, blood, and urine. One becomes infected if one gains contact with the body fluid of an infected person. This disease can be gotten through sexual intercourse. It can also be gotten through vertical transmission. This is when a pregnant woman infects her baby with a disease. This virus is usually asymptomatic in adults but could cause serious problems in children. Other groups of people that present with symptom when affected with this disease include those who are immunocompromised, such as HIV patients, transplant patients, and people that do not have a strong immune system. Diseases that can be caused by cytomegalovirus include pneumonia, retinitis, esophagitis, hepatitis, colitis, and the inflammation of the covering of the brain. Cytomegalovirus stays in the blood of the patient throughout the patient’s lifetime, even though they could remain asymptomatic.

Who Is At Risk Of Having Infectious Mononucleosis?

There are some group of people with a high risk of having infectious mononucleosis. They include;

  1. People who are on drugs that suppress their immune system: Examples of this kind of people can be found in people who are awaiting an organ transplant. They are usually put on immunosuppressant to reduce the chances of their body immune system rejecting the new organ.
  2. People that are on corticosteroids: Patients who are on a long-term use of corticosteroids are predisposed to having a weakened immune system. This increases their chances of having this disease.
  3. People with disease that have weakened their immune system: A typical example of this kind of disease is HIV/AIDS. The virus usually targets and weakens the immune system, giving room for opportunistic diseases.
  4. People between the ages of 15 and 35.
  5. Students that live in boarding school.
  6. Nurses and medical interns

How Is Infectious Mononucleosis Currently Treated?

There is no particular treatment for this disease, however, physicians usually prescribe corticosteroid drugs, to decrease the inflammation in the tonsil and in the throat. Treatments are usually given to reduce the pain and making life easier for the patient. Patients are advised to have a proper rest, and keep their body hydrated. They are also advised to avoid drugs such as paracetamol.

How Can Stem Cell Therapy Help In The Management Of Infectious Mononucleosis?

Stem cells are unique cells that are capable of self-regeneration, proliferation, repairing and replacing damaged tissues in the body. Stem cells are also capable of controlling and monitoring the immune system. Stem cell therapy offers hope for people suffering from infectious mononucleosis. Stem cell therapy was used on a patient in the Royal Brisbane Women’s Hospital when all other kinds of therapy had failed. The treatment was largely successful, and the woman recovered within a short period of time.

References

Acute Acalculous Cholecystitis Complicating the Course of Infectious Mononucleosis. (2015). International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), 4(12), pp.988-990.

ANDERSEN, E. and VIDEBAEK, A. (2009). Infectious Mononucleosis and Reticulum Cell Sarcoma. Scandinavian Journal of Haematology, 9(1-6), pp.400-402.

Emotional Disturbances in Children Hospitalized with Infectious Mononucleosis. (2016). International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), 5(6), pp.644-648.

Pranab Sharma Acharya, S. (2013). Infectious Complications of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation. Journal of Stem Cell Research & Therapy, s3(01).

 

 

 

 

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