Diagnosis of infectious mononucleosis by combined detection of atypical lymphocytes and transaminase.

In order to explore the value of combined detection of atypical lymphocytes (ATL) and transaminase (alanine aminotransferase, ALT; asparate aminotransferase, AST) in the diagnosis of infectious mononucleosis (IM), The data of blood routine and liver function were collected from 54 IM patients, 34 acute hepatitis (AH) patients, 44 upper respiratory infection (URI) patients in Union Hospital during March 2002 to March 2005. Same data were also collected from 40 healthy children as normal control. These data were analyzed retrospectively. Both proportion of atypical lymphocytes and enzyme activity of transaminase were elevated simultaneously (ALT > 40 IU/L, AST > 45 IU/L) in 57.4% (31/54) IM patients. There was significant difference (P < 0.01) between IM group and the other groups. Combined detection of atypical lymphocytes and transaminase can be regarded as a diagnostic marker of infectious mononucleosis.