Glandular fever (also known as infectious mononucleosis) is an infection most commonly caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), which is a human herpes virus. Glandular fever is not particularly contagious. It is spread mainly through contact with saliva, such as through kissing, or sharing food and drink utensils. It can also spread during sexual contact (through blood and semen), blood transfusions, organ transplantations, and by intrauterine transmission. EBV infection leads to a lifelong latent carrier state. Glandular fever is most common in people aged 15–24 years, although cases have been reported in people of all ages.

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