Final answer:
An acute infection caused by the Epstein-Barr virus characterized by symptoms like swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, fatigue, and fever is known as infectious mononucleosis. This disease, mostly spread through body fluids, is usually self-limiting and is diagnosed through antibodies testing.
Step-by-step explanation:
An acute infection caused by the Epstein-Barr virus characterized by swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, fatigue, and fever is known as infectious mononucleosis. This virus, also referred to as human herpesvirus 4 (HHV-4), primarily resides within B lymphocytes and can remain dormant in a latent state for an extended period. The main symptoms of infectious mononucleosis include pharyngitis, fever, fatigue, and lymph node swelling. Particularly in young adults who are previously uninfected, when exposed to EBV, they may develop infectious mononucleosis, which is mainly transmitted through contact with infected body fluids like saliva. While the disease is usually self-limiting, lasting about a month, the extreme fatigue may persist for several months. It is diagnosed based on clinical symptoms and a test for antibodies to EBV-associated antigens. Oftentimes, antiviral treatments are not necessary since the illness resolves on its own.