EBV infectious mononucleosis has been found to cause hepatic dysfunction. The pathologies seen in acute hepatitis include EBV-associated hemolytic anemia, cytotoxic liver injury, or cholestasis. Among adult cases described, 55% are in keeping with a cholestatic pattern.
For some people, their liver or spleen or both may remain enlarged even after their fatigue ends. Most people get better in two to four weeks; however, some people may feel fatigued for several more weeks. Occasionally, the symptoms of infectious mononucleosis can last for six months or longer.
Liver involvement, such as mild liver damage that can cause temporary jaundice, a yellow discoloration of the skin and whites of the eyes due to abnormally high levels of bilirubin (bile pigmentation) in the bloodstream.
Most (ie, 80-100%) of patients with acute infectious mononucleosis have elevated liver enzymes, even though jaundice is not usually present. Alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and bilirubin levels peak 5-14 days after onset, and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) levels peak at 1-3 weeks after onset.
Mononucleosis may cause enlargement of the spleen. In extreme cases, your spleen may rupture, causing sharp, sudden pain in the left side of your upper abdomen.
Childhood 'kissing disease' linked to adult chronic illnesses
Can mono permanently affect you?
It's not usually. EBV lies dormant in the body after causing mono, and, in rare cases, it can reactivate and cause symptoms again. You probably won't have any symptoms, though, unless you have an already-weakened immune system. Mono itself doesn't weaken the immune system.
Mono, while not serious and very common, can contribute to the cause of secondary infections in the future, such as strep throat, sinus infections, or tonsillitis. Some people report that even the common cold worsens in severity of symptoms after having mono.
How long does it take for liver to recover from mono?
Swollen liver or enlarged spleens are rare; however, in some, these symptoms may continue even after their fatigue ends. Most of the symptoms of mononucleosis decline within two to four weeks, but fatigue may last longer. It generally takes two to three months to completely heal from mononucleosis.
Infectious mononucleosis due to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection sometimes causes acute hepatitis, which is usually self-limiting with mildly elevated transaminases, but rarely with jaundice.
Taking a liver tonic like Livatone Plus can help protect your liver from inflammation caused by the Epstein Barr virus, and may help you recover sooner.
Liver tests may be done to find out if the virus has affected your liver. If the mono test is negative, your doctor may test you to check if you are infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), or other organisms. HIV and CMV can cause an illness that's like mono.
Mono has three stages: prodrome (when symptoms start), acute stage (when symptoms worsen), and convalescent (recovery). Mono has a long incubation period, so it can be difficult to pinpoint when the illness actually started.
Acute liver failure causes fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, discomfort on your right side, just below your ribs, and diarrhea. Acute liver failure is a serious condition. It requires medical care right away. If treatments are not effective, you may be a candidate for a liver transplant.
Young adults with infectious mononucleosis have been noted to have liver involvement in approximately 10% of cases [6]. An elevation in transaminase levels of 5-10 times the upper limit of normal with jaundice, as in our index case, occurs in <5% of cases of EBV infectious mononucleosis.
For most people, mono isn't serious, and it improves without treatment. Still, extreme fatigue, body aches and other symptoms can interfere with school, work and daily life.
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a DNA virus associated with infectious mononucleosis (IM) in children and young adults. It may cause moderate and transitory increase of liver enzymes; however, in rare cases, severe liver injury and even fatal ALF may occur [4].
Scientists have known for decades that EBV, which causes an infectious disease named mononucleosis or "kissing disease," is also linked to several autoimmune disorders, including multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis.
It is estimated to be in 10% of young adults and 30% in the elderly where it presents itself as an anicteric viral hepatitis. It is incorrect to classify EBV infections to category B00 Herpesviral [herpes simplex] infections.
The convalescent or recovery period of mono is the third and last stage of mono. Your body will still feel tired, and you may face bouts of weakness, but you will slowly be easing yourself from other symptoms. This stage of mono can last three to six months, if not more.
Mononucleosis often inflames the liver and alcohol can make this inflammation worse. Mono patients should not use alcohol while they are ill or until a provider tells them it is safe.
Eat nutritious foods: To strengthen your immune system and help reduce symptoms, eat antioxidant rich foods like leafy vegetables, peppers, and blueberries, avoid refined foods like sugar and white breads, and blend your foods or eat them with a liquid to soothe a sore throat.
Infectious mononucleosis is a largely benign disease process that occurs secondary to infection with the Epstein-Barr virus. However, it can also present with more serious complications, including auto-immune hemolytic anemia and acute liver failure.
A small number of people with mononucleosis may never have a positive test. The highest number of antibodies occurs 2 to 5 weeks after mono begins. They may be present for up to 1 year. In rare cases, the test is positive even though you do not have mono.
For EBV we have a six-stage model of infection (naive Blast, GC, memory, Immediate early lytic, Early lytic and Late lytic) where each stage may or may not be regulated by the immune response.