Besides Monospot, which test can diagnose infectious mononucleosis?

Besides Monospot, which test can diagnose infectious mononucleosis?

• A. Monospot test
• B. Widal test
• C. Heterophile antibody test
• D. ESR

Answer: (C)

Infectious mononucleosis is diagnosed by detecting heterophile antibodies produced during EBV infection. Monospot is one rapid test for these heterophile antibodies, so when the question asks besides Monospot, the test that can still diagnose is the broader heterophile antibody test (the classic Paul‑Bunnell type). The other options aren’t diagnostic for mono: Widal is used for typhoid fever, and ESR is a nonspecific marker of inflammation. Keep in mind that sometimes Monospot can be negative early in illness, so EBV-specific serologies (like VCA IgM) or a more traditional heterophile test can be used in those cases.

Infectious mononucleosis is diagnosed by detecting heterophile antibodies produced during EBV infection. Monospot is one rapid test for these heterophile antibodies, so when the question asks besides Monospot, the test that can still diagnose is the broader heterophile antibody test (the classic Paul‑Bunnell type). The other options aren’t diagnostic for mono: Widal is used for typhoid fever, and ESR is a nonspecific marker of inflammation. Keep in mind that sometimes Monospot can be negative early in illness, so EBV-specific serologies (like VCA IgM) or a more traditional heterophile test can be used in those cases.