Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Mononucleosis?
Question: If you get a positive blood test for mono, and have mono, won't the mono blood test always show as positive, even if you don't have mono and don't have symptoms? I am 53 and now on 3rd bought of mono in two years, which was accompanied with very high white blood count.mono lasting 3 months on averaged..I have had staph infection in my bones (spine), and was told that it can return at any time and this lasted at least 6 months of pic line and pill forms of antibiotics. Question - Which blood tests could distinguish between the two (mono vs staph or mursa) ?? .. so many of same symptoms!
Brief Answer:
there are clinical and lab signs
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
although mononucleosis may affect many organs, the most common presentation involves the lymph nodes, the throat and the spleen. Staphylococcus aureus may also invade many organs and may become a major danger for your life.
Bone infection may cause local pain, rise in the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP). The white blood cells count may be elevated in both conditions. The microscopic assessment of the white blood cells may detect abnormal lymphocytes (characteristic of mononucleosis). There is danger of dissemination of the staphylococcal infection to various organs like the heart, the lungs, the joints, etc.
Regarding the antibodies for mono. The IgM part may be detected (as positive) for many months after mononucleosis. The IgG may be detected for years. Please note that mononucleosis is not supposed to recur, although it may rarely.
The bone scan is the only examination that may provide early clues for bone involvement, although I would consider it a rare possibility if the ESR and CRP are relatively low.
I hope you find my comments helpful!
You can contact me again, if you'd like any clarification or further information.
Kind Regards!
there are clinical and lab signs
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
although mononucleosis may affect many organs, the most common presentation involves the lymph nodes, the throat and the spleen. Staphylococcus aureus may also invade many organs and may become a major danger for your life.
Bone infection may cause local pain, rise in the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP). The white blood cells count may be elevated in both conditions. The microscopic assessment of the white blood cells may detect abnormal lymphocytes (characteristic of mononucleosis). There is danger of dissemination of the staphylococcal infection to various organs like the heart, the lungs, the joints, etc.
Regarding the antibodies for mono. The IgM part may be detected (as positive) for many months after mononucleosis. The IgG may be detected for years. Please note that mononucleosis is not supposed to recur, although it may rarely.
The bone scan is the only examination that may provide early clues for bone involvement, although I would consider it a rare possibility if the ESR and CRP are relatively low.
I hope you find my comments helpful!
You can contact me again, if you'd like any clarification or further information.
Kind Regards!
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
