Chronic mononucleosis—it almost never happens

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The majority of US residents have been exposed to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and probably have antibodies directed against EBV antigens. Dr Jacobson argues that neither this serologic finding nor the vague and various symptoms described by patients are adequate to support the diagnosis of chronic mononucleosis. He emphasizes the lack of evidence for assigning a viral cause to this illness and suggests considering a psychobiologic disorder.