Atypical mononuclear cells in the blood: the norm in children. Atypical mononuclear cells (virocytes) in the blood of adults and children

In order to identify whether there are problems with the blood, an analysis is carried out for mononuclear cells in general analysis blood. This analysis is of particular importance because it allows early stage reveal pathological changes blood and timely apply necessary measures to fight them. A general blood test is all the more necessary because it is the blood that shows the first reaction of the body to any changes in it and to any infections.

What are mononuclear cells

Mononuclear cells are cells that are similar in appearance and structure to monocytes and show whether there is such a disease in the human body as Infectious mononucleosis. However, unlike monocytes, they are pathological and can lead to serious illness.

If everything is in order with health, atypical cells will not be detected in the blood test. But if suddenly such cells have already been detected, it is necessary for the doctor to measure their number in the body and immediately begin treatment. The number of mononuclear cells is measured in relation to normal blood cells.

In the case when the number of cells reaches ten percent, it is considered that the disease is at the critical stage, which is characterized by the most rapid and complex course of the disease.

Usually in the body healthy person in the general analysis of blood practically does not reveal pathological formations. But it is also possible rare cases when the disease is absent, and there is one percent of mononuclear cells in the blood. In the conclusion of the study, the doctor must write that pathological cells are present in the field of view, but appear singly, and their number does not increase.

Features of a blood test for mononucleosis

This virus is also called Epstein-Barr disease and in some cases can be a very serious threat to human life. Therefore, it is very important to identify this pathology in time and start emergency treatment.

In order to diagnose the disease, first a blood test is performed, in which more than ten percent of pathological cells must be found in order to recognize the disease as progressing and understand what it has acquired. sharp shape. Depending on how difficult the disease is, the number of mononuclear cells may decrease or increase. The most common cell ratio is five to ten percent. The number of cells usually indicates how aggressive the pathology is. Not so often, but with a repeated illness, it also happens that the number of mononuclear cells reaches even fifty percent. But this is an extremely rare condition that usually does not occur if a person suffers this disease for the first time.

In the event that there are more mononuclear cells than normal blood cells (in medical practice there have been cases of mononucleosis in children, when up to 87 percent of pathological cells were found), it is worth using additional methods diagnosis to determine if the diagnosis was correct. In addition, the analysis could be carried out during a particularly acute course of the disease, and therefore it is worth looking at the mononuclear cells in the blood test again a week after the first diagnosis. It is possible that the number of pathological cells will decrease significantly, even up to normal amount. True, in medical practice there were cases when the number of mononuclear cells was the same throughout the entire period of the disease.

Symptoms of mononucleosis

Usually, doctors identify several main symptoms of the disease. Be sure to see your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms:

  1. signs general malaise, weakness, unwillingness to get up and do something. In addition, already in the first days after the onset of the course of the disease, body temperature may slightly increase.
  2. All groups of lymph nodes increase, especially those in the cervical region. They are clearly visible even to the naked eye, they are palpable, but at the same time they are not connected either with each other or with the fiber that surrounds them. At the same time, the skin over these lymph nodes does not change, and the size can vary from a small pea to chicken egg. Enlarged lymph nodes do not deliver pain, do not suppurate and very often the first to indicate the development of the disease.
  3. Swelling of the nasopharynx. In this regard, it becomes difficult for the patient to breathe, the nose is blocked, and the tonsils also increase. Mucus is most often formed on the back of the pharynx. Sore throat is not too significant, but still present.
  4. Infectious mononucleosis quite often leads to liver enlargement, which manifests itself in almost all cases. Possible yellowing of the skin and sclera.
  5. The spleen enlarges and, reaching a maximum on the tenth day, begins to slowly decrease with right choice treatment.
  6. The face looks a little puffy, the eyelids swell.
  7. With regard to the work of the heart, the ECG does not change too much, although tachycardia may be present, passing after an illness.

Source of disease

Mononucleosis is usually transmitted in two ways: from a person carrying the virus, who himself has not yet had this disease, and from an infected patient. Most often, the disease is transmitted by those who are sick with an erased or abortive form.

As for the ways of infection, doctors distinguish contact ways transmission, as well as through common objects at home and by airborne droplets.

How to treat the emerging pathology

If the decoding of the tests showed that a patient who complains of the above symptoms has mononucleosis, it is important to start treatment immediately, since significant complications are possible later.

On the this moment there is no specific treatment for this disease. Physicians prescribe therapy for general strengthening organism, in some cases antibiotics may be prescribed. Most often they are used for children. early age, the immune system which is still poorly developed in order to avoid the development of more serious diseases.

If mononucleosis is detected, quarantine is not established, and the patient is hospitalized in a separate box. However, if the form mild disease or even moderate, the patient can be treated even at home, if this is facilitated by external circumstances. Perhaps what will be needed bed rest, which also depends on the form of the disease. If hepatitis manifests itself, it will be necessary to adhere to special diet, about the features of which the doctor will tell.

As for prevention, it is the same as for the common cold. Specific prevention, as well as for treatment, too is not present. It is important to increase the immunity of a person.

At proper treatment it is possible to get rid of the disease completely, and the patient soon recovers.

Relapse cases are quite rare.

Possible Complications

The disease is usually treated quickly, and complications are extremely rare. And yet it is worth adhering to all the doctor's recommendations in order to avoid such options for worsening the patient's condition:

  1. Rupture of the spleen. This variant of the complication is extremely rare, but can lead to lethal outcome. The fact that the spleen has ruptured is indicated by sudden severe pain in the abdomen, when it is necessary to immediately consult a doctor for taking urgent action treatment.
  2. hematological complications. In this case, doctors observe autoimmune anemia, thrombocytopenia and granulocytopenia. Anemia usually lasts long enough - one or even two months, but passes without a trace and the patient manages to recover completely.
  3. Very often there are problems of a neurological nature, namely: paralysis cranial nerves, encephalitis, severe facial nerves. They may last for a while, but usually go away without further treatment as the patient clears the mononucleosis.
  4. Hepatitis.
  5. Other complications.

Thus, mononuclear cells in most cases indicate the presence infectious disease. It is important to diagnose it correctly and quickly and start treatment immediately.

All parents know that in the blood of a child there are cells such as erythrocytes and leukocytes, as well as platelets. Many mothers also know that leukocytes are represented different types, and the determination of their level in percent is the leukocyte formula.


All of these cells are normal in the baby's bloodstream. However, in addition to normal cells, altered cells may appear in the blood test of children, telling parents and doctors that the child has certain illness. One of these altered blood cells are atypical mononuclear cells.

look interesting video in which the famous children's doctor Komarovsky explains in detail what is clinical analysis blood:

What is it

Atypical mononuclear cells (their other name is “virocytes”) are altered mononuclear blood cells. By structure and function, virocytes can be attributed to white blood cells. Such cells have similarities with normal mononuclear cells - monocytes and lymphocytes.

In atypical mononuclear cells, there is one nucleus, which is distinguished by polymorphism and a spongy structure. The shape of such cells is round or oval. Depending on the composition of the cytoplasm and size, these cells are divided into monocyto- and lymphocyte-like.

According to many scientists, atypical mononuclear cells originate from T-lymphocytes. They are produced in response to viral entry into children's body or influenced by other factors.


Atypical mononuclear cells under a microscope

How is it determined in children

The detection of atypical mononuclear cells in childhood occurs during a clinical blood test, including a leukogram. Such cells are counted in the analyzed volume of blood, compared with the number of all leukocytes and expressed as a percentage. The child is sent for such an analysis:

  • planned to make sure there are no hidden diseases.
  • If there are complaints, and also if the doctor suspected an infection based on the examination.
  • During preparation for surgery and in some cases before vaccination.
  • With an exacerbation chronic pathologies.
  • AT treatment process, to ascertain whether it is effective or not.


You can identify atypical mononuclear cells by passing blood from a baby’s finger for analysis.

Norm

AT normal analysis often there are no atypical mononuclear cells in the blood of a child, but the presence of single cells of this type is not considered a pathology, therefore, the norm for childhood called 0-1% of virocytes from the number of all white blood cells.

Reasons for the elevated level

Most often, the level of atypical mononuclear cells increases with viral diseases, for example, when chicken pox. An increased percentage of virocytes is also detected when:

  • tumor processes.
  • Autoimmune diseases.
  • Blood pathologies.
  • Poisoning.
  • long-term use some medicines.

It should be noted that in most cases such cells do not exceed 10% of all leukocytes. If atypical mononuclear cells in leukocyte formula blood tests of children reveal more than ten percent, this is a reason to diagnose a child with a disease called "Infectious mononucleosis". Since its cause is Epstein-Barr virus, this disease is also called EBV infection.

With such an infection, atypical mononuclear cells are always detected in the child's blood. The disease is more often diagnosed in children older than a year, and its incubation period can be up to two months, and you can get infected as with direct contact with a sick child, and by airborne droplets. With this pathology, the level of atypical mononuclear cells can reach 50% of all leukocytes, and in some cases even higher.


With EBV infection, a child has a sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, and a fever

The disease affects the lymphoid tissue, so children with infectious mononucleosis are diagnosed with inflammation of the tonsils, lymph nodes, spleen, and liver. The first symptoms of pathology are heat body, swollen lymph nodes, severe pain throat, nasal congestion. Virocytes do not appear in the blood of a sick child immediately, but only after two to three weeks. In addition, they remain in the bloodstream of children for five to six weeks after recovery.

What to do with a high level in the blood

If the child's blood test showed high content atypical mononuclear cells, this is the reason for going to the doctor. The pediatrician will evaluate the general condition of the baby, as well as past illnesses, since after a recent viral infection, the level of virocytes in the blood is elevated for several more weeks.

After confirming that the child has EBV infection, he will be prescribed symptomatic therapy, including antipyretic, tonic, antiseptic and other drugs. specific treatment, acting on the Epstein-Barr virus, does not exist.

In most cases, the prognosis of EBV infection is favorable, and many children carry it into mild form. Only some children have such serious complications like hepatitis, rupture of the spleen or swelling of the larynx.

In case of damage to the liver, the child is transferred to a special sparing diet, supplementing it with drugs with hepatoprotective and choleretic effects. If a bacterial infection has joined, the use of antibiotics and probiotics is indicated. At severe course or complications, the child may be prescribed hormonal agents, removal of the spleen, tracheostomy, or mechanical ventilation.


In uncomplicated cases of EBV infection, symptomatic treatment is carried out.

Are mononuclear cells found by a doctor in a general blood test always considered a signal pathological condition, and how are they labeled? What diseases increase the number of atypical cells? How to diagnose infectious mononucleosis - about it will be discussed in this article.

Mononuclear cells or agranulocytes are mononuclear cells responsible for immune responses. They are divided into monocytes and lymphocytes. The first, when harmful viruses and bacteria enter the system, absorb them and spread a signal about the invasion of foreign cells. Lymphocytes produce antibodies to fight infection.

Immunity to many viruses is developed due to B-lymphocytes circulating in the body for six months or more. An immune memory is formed so that the next time you encounter pathogens, the disease is easier to bear.

There are groups of viruses that can enhance the synthetic activity of lymphocytes, which will subsequently lead to the formation of atypical mononuclear cells. The size of the cells increases by 4-5 times, when viewed under a microscope, a wide cytoplasm and a small nucleus are visible.

Atypical mononuclear cells in the general blood test often become a signal of the presence of serious diseases in both adults and children.

Atypical cells can indicate a disease, so it is important to diagnose

Causes of atypical cells in the blood

The occurrence of atypical mononuclear cells is promoted by diseases that disable the body's immune system. Among the most probable causes allocate:

  • viral diseases (inf. mononucleosis, SARS, influenza, chicken pox, cytomegalo viral infection, Botkin's disease, HIV infection, whooping cough);
  • diseases of a bacterial nature (yersiniosis, chlamydia, tuberculosis, brucellosis);
  • helminth infection;
  • oncology;
  • individual intolerance to medical preparations;
  • autoimmune diseases (lupus erythematosus, vasculitis).

Infectious mononucleosis virus

More often than other factors, the appearance of pathological cells provokes the Epstein-Barr virus. Infection occurs through the air when communicating with a patient or a carrier. The placental route of transmission from mother to child is also possible as a result of unprotected intercourse.

Children are more susceptible to the virus adolescence and young people. According to statistics, by the age of 25, almost 90% of the population had infectious mononucleosis caused by this virus.

characteristic feature becomes a lesion of the lymphoid tissue during the disease: these are the tonsils, liver, spleen, all The lymph nodes.

Symptoms of mononucleosis:

  • increase in body temperature to 38.5-39.0 ° C;
  • pain when swallowing;
  • symptoms of general intoxication;
  • plaque on the tonsils;
  • nasal congestion, snoring;
  • enlarged lymph nodes, especially cervical;
  • yellowed sclera and skin;
  • enlargement of the liver and spleen.

The incubation period of the disease can last from 5 days to 2 months. According to the totality of signs clinical picture looks like angina.

Angina + severe swelling nasopharynx + enlarged liver + mononuclear cells in the blood = mononucleosis. The virus reproduces by cell division at a high rate, but it is unstable in the external environment. The disease in most people is mild.


Characteristic symptoms diseases for most children and adults

That is why its diagnosis is difficult. An analysis of blood sampling for mononuclear cells can be prescribed by a doctor for diagnostic purposes when a patient first contacts him.

Norms of indicators in children

The norm of enlarged agranulocytes in the blood of a child is 0-1%. Slightly (up to 10%), their number increases with autoimmune diseases, tumors. The highest level of atypical mononuclear cells in the CBC in a child is present in infectious mononucleosis. Sometimes their number exceeds 50% of white blood cells.

To confirm the diagnosis, blood is taken twice with an interval of five days. On the initial stage disease, the number of atypical cells is 10%. A week later, the number reaches a maximum of 60-80%.

How to identify mononuclear cells in the diagnosis

If atypical mononuclear cells are found in the KLA, their designation can be interpreted by the doctor in percent or SI units. Depending on the preliminary diagnosis and the patient's condition, he may prefer several methods:

These blood cells are found when deciphering the leukocyte formula. The scorecard includes all cell types. The formula contains the percentage of all leukocytes, separately monocytes and lymphocytes.

A positive blood test for atypical mononuclear cells confirms the diagnosis, determines the severity of the infection and the effectiveness of the prescribed treatment.

Important! Atypical cells can be detected in this way only at an early stage, two weeks after infection with the virus.

You can get tested at a medical diagnostic center.

  1. Agglutination reaction.

A hemotest is the detection of antibodies to a pathogen in the blood serum of a patient by agglutination. The efficiency of the method is 90%.

  1. Additional diagnostic methods.

Auxiliary diagnostic methods are urinalysis - in biochemical analysis is found high quantity bilirubin, ALT, AST. This is due to an increase in bile secretion. Subsequently turn yellow skin and sclera of the eyes. The doctor may prescribe an ultrasound of the organs abdominal cavity, make a puncture bone marrow or lymph node.

Blood is examined in vitro (test tube analysis)

recovery process after prolonged illness quite lengthy and labor intensive. For a month, asthenia is observed - increased irritability, fatigue, sweating. By the end of the recovery period, the level of tests for mononuclear cells normalizes.

Please note that if after a month the number of pathological cells does not return to normal, you need to consult an oncologist. If atypical mononuclear cells are found in a general blood test in a child, it is necessary to register him with an oncologist.

The virus is present in lymphocytes throughout life, but in a passive state. It is activated only if autoimmune disease or HIV infection due to a drop in immunity.

Treatment

Treatment of infectious mononucleosis is symptomatic. peace, Fresh air, plentiful drink, processing of the oropharynx, washing the nose - standard therapy for a viral infection. After past illness child long time remains weakened, so the doctor draws up a medical exemption from vaccinations for 6-12 months.

Contraindicated in recovery period long-distance travel with climate change, you can not sunbathe. Antibiotics are prescribed in case of accession bacterial infection: otitis media, pneumonia.

Timely appeal to the doctor guarantees successful treatment minimizes the risk of complications.

The video below explains this in more detail:

More:

What does the presence of atypical lymphocytes in the blood indicate, and should I be worried?

The final diagnosis is preceded by whole complex diagnostic procedures. These include:

  • collection of patient complaints,
  • study of the history of the onset of the disease, the conditions of his residence and work,
  • objective examination,
  • laboratory and instrumental research.

Let's take a closer look at laboratory tests blood. And also find out why doctors prescribe a study for atypical mononuclear cells in the general blood test.

The question arises, what are mononuclear cells?

These are large mononuclear cells of the lymphoid series, similar to normal blood cells, monocytes. Their second name is virocytes. They belong to the group of phagocytes and are responsible for defensive forces organism. Capture and destroy viruses and pathogenic bacteria, resulting in large sizes. They are determined in the general blood test (CBC), which reacts to any painful conditions organism, especially if an infectious process is suspected.

What does the analysis for mononuclear cells say?

It is an accurate indicator of health problems. Normally, in an adult and a child, their number is from 0-1% to all cells of the leukocyte series. In the answer, they are usually indicated - units in pzr.

They can be detected from the very first days of the disease. On days 8-10-12, their number grows and amounts to 10%. This indicates a critical stage of the disease and its severe course. Such high concentration lasts for 2-3 weeks. The level of mononuclear cells in the general blood test is determined again in a week in order to track the dynamics of the disease and the effectiveness of the treatment. After recovery, their level can remain high for up to 1.5 months.

How to pass a general blood test for mononuclear cells?

There is an algorithm for passing the UAC. It:

  1. The analysis is given in the morning strictly on an empty stomach.
  2. Limitation physical activity the day before and on the day of the test.
  3. The day before, all sweet, fatty and fried foods and alcohol are excluded from the diet.

As you can see, the conditions are simple and easy to implement, but they must be met in order to obtain a reliable level of mononuclear cells in a blood test.

What symptoms indicate an increase in the level of mononuclear cells?

  • Chills, increased tº > 38 ͦ,
  • increased sweating,
  • a sharp decline in strength, weakness,
  • nausea,
  • puffiness of the face,
  • compaction and enlargement cervical lymph nodes up to 5cm,
  • catarrhal symptoms in the upper respiratory tract: swelling of the nasopharynx, hoarseness, difficulty nasal breathing, purulent formations on the rear wall larynx,
  • whitish plaque on the tonsils,
  • joint and muscle pain,
  • enlargement of the spleen and liver,
  • yellowing of the skin and sclera,
  • change in the lymphocyte formula.

Factors contributing to the appearance of virocytes in the blood:

But at various kinds shocks, taking some hormonal drugs, in particular glucocorticoids, pyogenic infections, there is a decrease in their number.

So under what diseases does their content increase?

The palm belongs to infectious mononucleosis, and is already followed by:

  • toxoplasmosis, virus herpes simplex(HSV);
  • oncological diseases;
  • autoimmune processes, in particular large group collagenoses such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid and rheumatic polyarthritis;
  • intoxication as a result of poisoning;
  • violation in the composition of the blood - various types of anemia;
  • introduction into the body a large number viruses and pathogenic bacteria.

Let us dwell in more detail on infectious mononucleosis.

This disease is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. The source of infection is a healthy virus carrier and an infected patient. More often transmitted from patients with vaguely expressed clinical course, due to the fact that they do not go to the doctor and the disease is not diagnosed in time.

Transmission routes contact, household through household items - towels for common use, dishes. As well as the airborne route.


incubation period, those. The length of time from the moment of infection to the appearance of the first symptoms can last up to 2 months.

Practice shows that in children under one year of age, cases of infectious mononucleosis are extremely rare due to congenital passive immunity received from the mother. And more often children from 7-10 years old and more boys get sick.

Duration the disease itself - 15-20 days. The infection affects the lymph nodes, nasopharyngeal tonsils, spleen, and sometimes the liver. First of all, the entire immune system suffers, because. She takes the brunt of the blow first. And against the background of weakened immunity, a bacterial infection often joins with the development of such complications as: pneumonia, tonsillitis, otitis media.

The results obtained in the course of laboratory tests play a leading role in the recognition of the disease. They help to accurately establish the final diagnosis, draw up a plan and tactics for managing the patient, and monitor the effectiveness of treatment.

During the year, it is necessary to be observed by a hematologist and control the level of mononuclear cells in the blood.

How can you prevent an increase in the concentration of mononuclear cells in the blood?

There is no specific prevention. There is only one way - to increase immunity. For this you need:

  • lead healthy lifestyle life,
  • establish a proper and balanced diet,
  • harden the body
  • go in for sports, hiking and swimming.

These measures will help to significantly improve health and live an active, fulfilling life.

With the advent of a child, parents acquire new knowledge regarding not only education, but also health. Many modern mothers study blood tests in more detail and normal performance. The main ones are erythrocytes, leukocytes and platelets. In addition, there are different kinds leukocytes, whose percentage level in the bloodstream is part of the leukocyte formula. Parents often associate the detection of mononuclear cells in crumbs with the disease. Is this always the case, or can their presence be normal?

Many parents worry when they find strange cells in the blood test - mononuclear cells.

Mononuclear cells - what is it?

Mononuclear blood cells are called mononuclear cells. These include monocytes and lymphocytes. Another name for such cells is agranulocytes. It was obtained by them as a result of the fact that mononuclear cells do not have granules inside.

Lymphocytes are directly responsible for the immune reactions occurring in the body. The type of cells these cells belong to affects their activity. Some of them are responsible for the destruction of harmful substances or infectious agents, others for the production of antibodies.

Not the last role in the work of immunity is played by monocytes, which are also known as mononuclear phagocytes. They are converted into macrophages, thus absorbing bacteria and viruses and signaling to lymphocytes that pathogens or other unwanted substances have appeared in the crumbs' body.

Detection of mononuclear cells in the blood

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The presence in the bloodstream of cells that have only one nucleus in the structure can be seen from the general blood test. This happens when deciphering the leukocyte formula. It lists all leukocytes, which also include monocytes and lymphocytes, with their percentage in the blood. Monitoring the level of mononuclear cells is taken into account in the following cases:

  1. Scheduled examination. It is carried out in order to exclude hidden diseases.
  2. Suspicion of infection or inflammation, if there are complaints from the baby.
  3. Checking the effectiveness of the prescribed course of treatment.
  4. Preparation for surgery.
  5. Vaccination in certain situations.
  6. Exacerbation of a chronic disease.

Monitoring of the level of mononuclear cells is necessary, including before some vaccinations.

In order to avoid incorrect data, it is necessary to follow all the rules for correct blood sampling for a general analysis, namely:

  • blood donation is carried out in the morning;
  • it is not allowed to eat, drink juices or other sweet drinks before delivery;
  • it is desirable to limit physical activity;
  • a 20-minute rest is encouraged before donating blood for analysis.

The interpretation of the analysis should be carried out exclusively by a specialist. Having made a cumulative assessment of all indicators, he will be able to characterize big picture. Establishing an independent diagnosis on the basis of only one parameter is illegal.

Normal indicators of mononuclear cells

In relation to lymphocytes, the picture of their percentage in the blood looks different. During the first days of life in newborns, the number of lymphocytes is 16-32% of all leukocytes, on the fifth day after birth, these numbers rise to 40-60% and remain so throughout the first years of life. The level of lymphocytes in children under 5 years of age is the highest compared to all other leukocytes and is 35-55% (we recommend reading:). Over time, their percentage falls and by the age of 10 is 30-45% of all whites. blood cells.


In children, lymphocytes occupy the first place among leukocytes quantitatively.

Atypical mononuclear cells

Unchanged mononuclear cells are observed in the blood of children even when they are healthy. In the case of some diseases, altered cells appear in it, among which there are atypical mononuclear cells. In another way, these altered blood cells are called virocytes. In accordance with their structure and functions, they are classified as white blood cells, have certain similar properties with ordinary mononuclear cells, namely monocytes and lymphocytes.

A distinctive feature of the nuclei of atypical mononuclear cells is polymorphism and a spongy structure, and they themselves are round or oval in shape. The size and composition of the cytoplasm affect their division into monocyte-like and lymphocyte-like. Many scientists believe that the origin of these cells originates from T-lymphocytes. Their production is due to various factors, one of which is the penetration of viruses into the body.

A clinical blood test, which includes a leukogram, helps to determine the presence of atypical mononuclear cells in the children's bloodstream. In the studied volume of blood, these cells are counted and compared with the number of all leukocytes.

Causes of elevated levels of mononuclear cells

The most common reason advanced level atypical mononuclear cells are viral diseases - for example, chickenpox. However, there are a number of other reasons due to which the percentage of virocytes is growing. This is due to:

  • tumor processes;
  • autoimmune diseases;
  • blood pathology;
  • poisoning;
  • long-term use of certain drugs.

An increase in the number of mononuclear cells may be associated with poisoning

Usually, the level of such cells in the leukocyte formula does not exceed 10% of all leukocytes in a blood test. Otherwise, the excess of this figure serves as the basis for establishing such a diagnosis as infectious mononucleosis. Another name for the disease is EBV infection, as it is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus.

Such a disease is typical for children after 1 year, with it the level of atypical mononuclear cells always increases, sometimes up to 50% and even higher. Its incubation period can be up to 2 months. There are two types of mononucleosis infection:

  • direct contact with a sick baby;
  • airborne route.

Due to the defeat of the disease of the lymphoid tissue, sick children are characterized by inflamed tonsils, lymph nodes, liver and spleen. The first symptoms of mononucleosis include:

  • heat;
  • enlarged lymph nodes;
  • sore throat;
  • stuffy nose.

Virocytes themselves appear in the blood only 2-3 weeks after infection. In addition, they continue to circulate in the bloodstream for another 5-6 weeks after the baby becomes healthy.


Indirect sign mononucleosis are enlarged lymph nodes

What to do with a high level of mononuclear cells in the blood?

In the case when crumbs in the blood test high level the content of atypical mononuclear cells, it is necessary to contact a pediatrician. He will evaluate general condition crumbs, while taking into account recent illnesses. This is necessary, since the transferred viral infection affects the level of virocytes in the blood. After it, it may remain elevated for several more weeks.

If the diagnosis of EBV infection is confirmed in the baby, his treatment is reduced to combating the existing symptoms. It includes agents that reduce fever, act as antiseptics and have a general tonic effect. Any specific therapy, helping to overcome the Epstein-Barr virus, today there is none. This disease is usually characterized mild form and the children make a full recovery. With rare exceptions, this virus causes:

  • hepatitis A;
  • rupture of the spleen;
  • swelling of the larynx.

If the liver has been affected, the child needs some diet food, supplemented medicines, which have a hepatoprotective and choleretic effect. In the presence of a bacterial infection, antibiotics and probiotics are also used. If the disease is severe or is accompanied by serious complications, the appointment is likely hormonal drugs performing a tracheostomy or artificial ventilation lungs, removal of the spleen.

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