A negative heterophile antibody test in a patient with symptoms of infectious mononucleosis could be caused by what factor if the patient is being treated for cancer?
A) Infection by another virus
B) Level of the antibody not high enough to be detected
C) Immunosuppressed antibody response
D) CMV infection

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Patients with cancer may have a compromised immune system due to chemotherapy or other treatments, which can lead to an impaired antibody response. This can result in a negative heterophile antibody test even if the patient is infected with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) that causes infectious mononucleosis. Option A, B, and D are less likely explanations in this case.

A Negative Heterophile Antibody Test in a Patient with Symptoms