INFECTIOUS-MONONUCLEOSIS AND HODGKINS-DISEASE - A SIMILAR SEASONALITY

The presentation of Hodgkin's disease and acute infectious mononucleos is (glandular fever) due to Epstein-Barr virus, have similar seasonal features with the peak incidence around March. The extent of seasonal variation is also similar. Seasonality of Hodgkin's disease is most ob vious and also significant in adult age groups below the age of 40. Am ongst those over 40 years, seasonality was no longer present in the 40 -59 but returned over age 60. Seasonal similarity does not prove a rel ationship. However two speculations are made on possible mechanisms. F irstly glandular fever may accelerate presentation in young adults, de stined to present with HD. Secondly the Epstein-Barr virus may have an inherent seasonal behaviour whether causing acute infectious mononucl eosis or when latent and playing a role in the aetiology of Hodgkin's disease.