Mono & College Students: Implications of the Latest Findings
The infectious disease mononucleosis, or mono, can affect anyone, yet teenagers and young adults should beware. It is increasingly frequent between the ages of 15–24 because of how strongly the immune system reacts to the virus that causes it, the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Common mono symptoms are fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, swollen liver and/or spleen, and more. These symptoms can last from two weeks to six months. One of the major complications associated with mono is an enlarged spleen. The spleen is a small organ inside of the left ribcage which filters blood and creates white blood cells. When enlarged, the spleen can burst during contact sports or strenuous exercise, causing rare but lethal internal bleeding. The virus is primarily spread through saliva. Someone with mono could be infectious for six to eighteen months after symptoms start. There is no medication or treatment for mono, so care includes managing symptoms, fluids, and lots of rest.
Mono is a widespread issue among college students. College students have a higher chance of developing mono from overactive immune systems and transmission in close living spaces of dorms, apartments, and shared spaces. The fatigue caused by mono can interfere with classes and exercise, making it more difficult to maintain overall health, especially with its long duration. Developing mono from EBV is more common in teenagers and young adults ages 18–22, with an occurrence rate of about 50-75%, compared to children and grown adults who are less likely to develop mono.
Mono is a widespread issue among college students. College students have a higher chance of developing mono from overactive immune systems and transmission in close living spaces of dorms, apartments, and shared spaces. The fatigue caused by mono can interfere with classes and exercise, making it more difficult to maintain overall health, especially with its long duration. Developing mono from EBV is more common in teenagers and young adults ages 18–22, with an occurrence rate of about 50-75%, compared to children and grown adults who are less likely to develop mono.
Image Source: Mufid Majnun
The cause of mono, EBV, is far more prevalent than most people would think. Around 90% of the world’s population is infected with the virus by the time they are age 35, yet a majority of the infected population luckily does not show symptoms of illness. “Infected” means the person carries the disease but can be symptomatic or asymptomatic. Those who become symptomatic are those who develop the viral infection mono caused by EBV. Between 30% to 50% of people with EBV will develop mono.
A study by the University of Vienna published in late 2022 dove into the influence of inherited genes and of EBV strain on mono development. There is a specific gene called HLA that is present in people who are positive for EBV but have no mono symptoms. In other words, the gene may prevent mono. There is an absence of this gene in people with mono symptoms. This pattern means there may be an indicator in someone’s DNA that could predict whether or not they will ever develop mono. An additional result from this study was the findings of specific variants, or versions, of EBV seen more regularly in patients with mono. These variants have physical characteristics called peptides which assist in the development of mono. This discovery is very promising for developing a vaccine that can act against these specific versions of EBV.
A mono vaccine could dispel the ever-looming threat of mono from the general population and especially on college campuses. The young adult population is the one to worry most about, as they have more potential to become symptomatic from mono. The rest of the population is more likely to carry EBV without the subsequent infection. Nonetheless, with EBV’s ubiquitous nature, a vaccine would be incredibly helpful in preventing mono for everyone.
A study by the University of Vienna published in late 2022 dove into the influence of inherited genes and of EBV strain on mono development. There is a specific gene called HLA that is present in people who are positive for EBV but have no mono symptoms. In other words, the gene may prevent mono. There is an absence of this gene in people with mono symptoms. This pattern means there may be an indicator in someone’s DNA that could predict whether or not they will ever develop mono. An additional result from this study was the findings of specific variants, or versions, of EBV seen more regularly in patients with mono. These variants have physical characteristics called peptides which assist in the development of mono. This discovery is very promising for developing a vaccine that can act against these specific versions of EBV.
A mono vaccine could dispel the ever-looming threat of mono from the general population and especially on college campuses. The young adult population is the one to worry most about, as they have more potential to become symptomatic from mono. The rest of the population is more likely to carry EBV without the subsequent infection. Nonetheless, with EBV’s ubiquitous nature, a vaccine would be incredibly helpful in preventing mono for everyone.
Featured Image Source: Kelly Sikkema
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