title: Diagnosing infectious mononucleosis: avoiding the pitfalls.
abstract: Infectious mononucleosis may be diagnosed with confidence only when Hoagland's diagnostic criteria have been met. The illness must be compatible with the known clinical features of infectious mononucleosis; there should be absolute and relative lymphocytosis on differential white cell count; there should be more than 20% atypical lymphocytes and serological tests should be positive-either a Paul-Bunnell Davidsohn or a rapid slide test for heterophil antibody. Failure to diagnose this common viral infection accurately may lead to inappropriate and perhaps harmful management, and may delay recognition of potentially life-threatening complications.
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: McSherry