Mono is caused by the

Mono is caused by the

• A. Epstein-Barr Virus
• B. Cytomegalovirus
• C. Hepatitis A virus
• D. Herpes simplex virus

Answer: (A)

Infectious mononucleosis is most commonly caused by Epstein-Barr virus, a herpesvirus that infects B lymphocytes and is transmitted through saliva. The body’s immune response leads to fever, sore throat, swollen posterior cervical nodes, fatigue, and often enlarged spleen. Diagnosis is typically via a heterophile antibody test (Monospot), though early infection can yield a negative result and EBV-specific tests may be used. Management is supportive, with attention to complications like splenic rupture risk, so contact sports are often avoided during acute illness. The other viruses listed cause different diseases—cytomegalovirus can produce mono-like illness, but it’s not the classic cause of infectious mononucleosis; Hepatitis A causes acute hepatitis; herpes simplex causes mucocutaneous lesions—so Epstein-Barr virus best fits the presentation.

Infectious mononucleosis is most commonly caused by Epstein-Barr virus, a herpesvirus that infects B lymphocytes and is transmitted through saliva. The body’s immune response leads to fever, sore throat, swollen posterior cervical nodes, fatigue, and often enlarged spleen. Diagnosis is typically via a heterophile antibody test (Monospot), though early infection can yield a negative result and EBV-specific tests may be used. Management is supportive, with attention to complications like splenic rupture risk, so contact sports are often avoided during acute illness. The other viruses listed cause different diseases—cytomegalovirus can produce mono-like illness, but it’s not the classic cause of infectious mononucleosis; Hepatitis A causes acute hepatitis; herpes simplex causes mucocutaneous lesions—so Epstein-Barr virus best fits the presentation.