What is the diagnosis and management for an 18-year-old male with fever, conjunctivitis (pink eye), malaise, body aches, headaches, sore throat, congestion, cough, chills, fatigue, nausea (N)/vomiting (V), abdominal pain, diarrhea, and orthostasis, with a positive mononucleosis (mono) spot test, elevated Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) Viral Capsid IgG and EBV Nuclear Antigen IgG, and a positive adenovirus Respiratory Pathogen Panel, presenting with leukopenia (low White Blood Cell (WBC) count), thrombocytopenia (low Platelet (PLT) count), and normal liver enzymes?

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Differential Diagnosis

  • Single most likely diagnosis
    • Infectious Mononucleosis (Mono) due to Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV): The patient's symptoms, such as fever, sore throat, fatigue, and the positive mono spot test, are consistent with infectious mononucleosis. The laboratory results, including the elevated EBV Viral Capsid IgG and EBV Nuclear Antigen IgG, also support this diagnosis.
  • Other Likely diagnoses
    • Adenovirus infection: The positive Resp pathogen panel for adenovirus and the patient's symptoms, such as conjunctivitis (pink eye), fever, and respiratory symptoms, suggest that adenovirus may be contributing to the patient's illness.
    • Coinfection with other viruses: The patient's symptoms and living situation (college dorm) increase the risk of coinfection with other viruses, such as influenza or respiratory syncytial virus.
  • Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
    • Sepsis: Although the patient's symptoms are consistent with a viral infection, the presence of fever, malaise, and orthostasis increases the risk of sepsis, which can be life-threatening if not promptly recognized and treated.
    • Meningitis or encephalitis: The patient's symptoms, such as headache and fever, could be indicative of meningitis or encephalitis, which are medical emergencies that require prompt diagnosis and treatment.
  • Rare diagnoses
    • Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection: Although less likely, CMV infection can present with similar symptoms to EBV and adenovirus, including fever, fatigue, and conjunctivitis.
    • Toxoplasmosis: This parasitic infection can cause fever, fatigue, and lymphadenopathy, although it is less likely in this patient given the absence of other risk factors, such as immunocompromisation or exposure to cats.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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