Jaundice and infectious mononucleosis in Ghana
Addy, P.A.; Ahiabor, T.; Amane, C.; Pappoe, M.A.
African Journal of Medicine and Medical Sciences 7(2): 85-92
1978
ISSN/ISBN: 0309-3913 PMID: 102140 Document Number: 131234
A total of 715 sera from jaundiced cases were examined for Infectious Mononucleosis (IM) antibodies and 5.03% were found to be positive. It was further found that the incidence of IM antibodies in the study population increased with age, the incidence being most prevalent amongst the 11-20 year age-group. IM antibodies with jaundice were found to be most prevalent in the Volta and Eastern Regions, i.e. amongst populations of the coastal-lowland-swampy-shrubland zone of the country, particularly during the dry season which stretches from October through March. A preponderance of IM antibodies amongst females of the age-group 11-20 years was recorded. The possible mode of IM transmission in the tropical setting, with particular reference to Ghana, is proposed.