EBV Infectious Mononucleosis — MFDS Part 1 MCQ

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EasyMicrobiologyEBV Infectious MononucleosisMFDS Part 1

Which pathogen is the usual cause of infectious mononucleosis (glandular fever) and is predominantly transmitted through saliva?

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Correct answer: C — Epstein–Barr virus

Epstein–Barr virus (EBV; human herpesvirus 4) is the usual cause of infectious mononucleosis, also called glandular fever. Transmission occurs mainly through saliva, including through kissing or sharing eating and drinking utensils. Streptococcus pyogenes can cause bacterial tonsillitis with fever and pharyngeal exudate, so it may clinically resemble glandular fever, but it does not cause infectious mononucleosis. Staphylococcus aureus is associated with several skin, soft-tissue and opportunistic infections. Candida albicans causes oral candidosis, while influenza virus causes an acute respiratory illness rather than the characteristic mononucleosis syndrome.

Reference: University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust. Tonsillitis and glandular fever, 2024. https://www.uhd.nhs.uk/uploads/about/docs/our_publications/patient_information_leaflets/ear-nose-throat/111-24_tonsillitis-and-glandular-fever.pdf