Infectious mononucleosis is a viral infection that causes extreme fatigue, fever, sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes. It is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), which spreads through saliva and close contact. The Lactic Acid Dehydrogenase (LDH) test is the most important supplementary test for infectious mononucleosis because it measures cellular damage and helps monitor the severity of infection.
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Infectious mononucleosis is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a member of the herpesvirus family. The virus spreads primarily through saliva, which is why mono is often called the kissing disease, though it can also spread through sharing drinks, utensils, or toothbrushes. Once EBV enters your body, it infects B lymphocytes (white blood cells) and causes them to multiply rapidly, triggering the immune system to produce large numbers of T lymphocytes to fight the infection, which leads to the characteristic symptoms of swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, and fever.
The Lactic Acid Dehydrogenase (LDH) test is the most important supplementary blood test for infectious mononucleosis because it measures the level of cellular breakdown occurring during the viral infection. While specific mono antibody tests diagnose EBV infection directly, the LDH test helps your doctor assess how severely the infection is affecting your tissues and organs, and it tracks your recovery progress over time. The Rheumatoid Factor (RF) test is also essential when diagnosing mono because the infection can cause temporary false-positive RF results, helping doctors distinguish between mono and autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis when symptoms overlap.
You should get tested if you have extreme fatigue that does not improve with rest, a severe sore throat lasting more than a week, swollen lymph nodes in your neck and armpits, or persistent fever above 101°F. Testing is especially important if you are a teenager or young adult with these symptoms, as mono is most common in the 15-24 age group. You should also consider testing if your symptoms began after close contact with someone who had mono, or if you develop an enlarged spleen that causes pain in your upper left abdomen, as this requires immediate medical attention to prevent rupture.
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What this means
Your LD levels are slightly elevated above the optimal range, which may indicate mild tissue stress or damage. This could be related to recent intense exercise, minor muscle injury, or early signs of organ stress. While this elevation is modest and may not be concerning, it's worth monitoring and discussing with your healthcare provider if you have symptoms.
Recommended actions
Allow adequate recovery time between intense workouts and avoid overtraining
Stay well-hydrated and ensure proper nutrition to support tissue repair
Monitor for symptoms like persistent fatigue, muscle weakness, or chest discomfort
Consider retesting in 4-6 weeks to see if levels normalize or require further investigation
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