What is the diagnosis for infectious mononucleosis?

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Differential Diagnosis for Mono

  • Single most likely diagnosis
    • Infectious Mononucleosis (Mono): This is the most likely diagnosis, given the classic presentation of fever, sore throat, and lymphadenopathy, which are common symptoms of mono caused by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection.
  • Other Likely diagnoses
    • Streptococcal Pharyngitis: This condition can present with similar symptoms such as sore throat and fever, and it's essential to differentiate it from mono as the treatment approaches differ.
    • Influenza: Flu can also cause fever, sore throat, and fatigue, which might be confused with mono, especially during flu season.
    • Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Infection: CMV can cause a mono-like syndrome, especially in immunocompromised individuals or those who have received organ transplants.
  • Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
    • Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL): Although rare, ALL can present with symptoms similar to mono, such as lymphadenopathy and fatigue. Missing this diagnosis could be fatal due to the aggressive nature of the disease.
    • HIV Infection: The acute retroviral syndrome of HIV can mimic mono, with symptoms like fever, rash, and lymphadenopathy. Early diagnosis of HIV is crucial for effective management and prevention of complications.
    • Toxoplasmosis: In immunocompromised patients, toxoplasmosis can cause a mono-like illness and is critical to diagnose due to its potential severity in this population.
  • Rare diagnoses
    • Human Herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) Infection: HHV-6 can cause a roseola-like illness in children but can also present with mono-like symptoms in adults, although this is less common.
    • Adenovirus Infection: Certain adenovirus serotypes can cause a pharyngoconjunctival fever that might be mistaken for mono, especially in outbreaks.
    • Yersinia enterocolitica Infection: This bacterial infection can cause a syndrome that mimics appendicitis or mono, particularly in children, and is essential to consider in the differential diagnosis to ensure appropriate antibiotic treatment.

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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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