Mumps occurring as a mononucleosis-like syndrome with positive Monospot test

Abstract

To the Editor.— Two patients had a clinical picture of infectious mononucleosis and a positive Monospot test on admission. However, a notable rise in antibody titer to mumps virus was also found. Serological follow-up studies were performed to determine whether these patients had possible concurrent infections with Epstein-Barr virus and mumps virus. The cases of five typical patients with mumps, who were admitted during the same month, were investigated as controls. Report of Cases.—Case 1.— An 18-year-old man became ill with high fever (39 ° C), cervical lymphadenopathy, and membranous tonsillitis. He had 2,300 WBCs, with 50% lymphocytes. He was febrile for 12 days, during which time the enlarged lymph nodes and tonsils returned to normal size and appearance. At approximately that time, it became apparent that the parotid glands were slightly enlarged also. Case 2.— A 12-year-old boy was admitted because of fever and membranous tonsillitis. He