Question

A 21-year-old university student presents with fever, severe sore throat, tender cervical lymphadenopathy and palatal petechiae. A rapid antigen test for group A streptococcus is negative. Splenomegaly is present. Which investigation best confirms the suspected diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Monospot heterophile antibody test

Answer

Throat culture for group A streptococcus

Answer

Serum CMV IgM

Answer

Serum HIV p24 antigen

Answer

Full blood count only

Practice question

A 21-year-old university student presents with fever, severe sore throat, tender cervical lymphadenopathy and palatal petechiae. A rapid antigen test for group A streptococcus is negative. Splenomegaly is present. Which investigation best confirms the suspected diagnosis?