?:definition
|
-
Serology reagents intended to detect antibodies that nonspecifically react to different proteins and are useful in the diagnosis of infectious mononucleosis. Mononucleosis is a viral infection causing fevers, sore throat, and swollen lymph glands, especially in the neck. It is typically caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, but can also be caused by other organisms such as cytomegalovirus. Both viruses are members of the herpesvirus family. Most patients (typically 85% to 90%) will have a detectable Heterophile antibody level within three weeks of infection, but Heterophile antibodies are not specific for infectious mononucleosis; they have been occasionally associated with disease states other than infectious mononucleosis (e.g., leukemia, cytomegalovirus, Burkitt\'s lymphoma, rheumatoid arthritis, viral hepatitis).
|