Mononucleosis / Epstein Barr Virus

If you have been diagnosed with mononucleosis (mono) or Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), your blood or plasma donation could help researchers better understand the immune response to infection, improve diagnostic testing, and support the development of future treatments and medical advances.

Eligible donors receive compensation for their time and participation.

Why Donate?

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is one of the most common human viruses worldwide. While many people are exposed to EBV during their lifetime with few or no symptoms, it is also the primary cause of infectious mononucleosis, commonly known as "mono."

Researchers rely on blood and plasma donations from individuals with a history of EBV or mononucleosis to study how the body's immune system responds to infection. These donations can support critical research aimed at improving diagnostics, understanding long-term health effects, and advancing future therapies.

Donor requirements for participation:

You must be clinically diagnosed by a medical professional. Confirmation of the diagnosis and/or treatment must be verified with your physician.

Be pre-screened to determine eligibility.

You’re willing to donate blood, or plasma through the apheresis process.

You must have a photo ID and be able to provide your social security number or proof of citizenship.

You must be at least 18 years old.

You must weight at least 110 lbs.

You must disclose if you have ever been diagnosed with Hepatitis C and/or HIV.

For questions and concerns about requirements or participation, contact us at (833) GO-4-CURE.

What Is Mononucleosis?

Mononucleosis, often called "mono" or the "kissing disease," is typically caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). The virus is commonly spread through saliva, which is why it can be transmitted through kissing, sharing drinks or utensils, or close personal contact.

Most people contract EBV at some point in their lives. Many infections cause mild symptoms or none at all, while others develop into infectious mononucleosis.

Symptoms of Mononucleosis and EBV

Symptoms may vary from person to person and can range from mild to severe.

Common Symptoms Include:

Extreme fatigue
General feelings of illness (malaise)
Sore throat
Fever
Swollen lymph nodes in the neck and armpits
Swollen tonsils
Headache
Skin rash
Enlarged or swollen spleen
Muscle aches and weakness

Symptoms often improve over several weeks, although fatigue may persist longer for some individuals.

Epstein-Barr Virus and Long-Term Research

Because EBV infects a large percentage of the population, researchers continue to study its potential connections to immune system disorders and other long-term health conditions. Access to donor plasma samples helps scientists better understand how the virus behaves in the body and how the immune system responds over time.

Your participation may contribute to important research that benefits future patients.

Treatment and Recovery

There is currently no specific antiviral treatment for infectious mononucleosis. Most people recover through supportive care.

Help Advance EBV and Mononucleosis Research

Your plasma donation could help researchers improve scientific understanding of Epstein-Barr virus and support the development of future medical breakthroughs.

Complete our donor inquiry form or call (833) GO-4-CURE today to speak with a donor recruitment coordinator.

Your Privacy Matters

We take your privacy seriously. Any information you provide—including health information—is securely stored and kept strictly confidential. Your information is used solely to determine eligibility for research participation and will never be sold or shared without your consent.

For more information about how we protect your personal information, please review our Privacy Policy.

This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional regarding medical concerns.

This information is not meant for clinical diagnosis, but as an educational resource derived from Mayo Clinic.

Discovering that you have been infected with a disease can be overwhelming with many unanswered questions and concerns. One that may come to mind is “how can I help someone else that may go the same process and struggles that I have experienced?” You can help by becoming a Specialty Antibody donor!

Participating in research allows scientists and clinicians find new treatments, tests and quicker diagnostic methods to improve patient outcomes and, hopefully, prevent the disease from spreading.