The Paul Bunnell test is used to screen for infectious mononucleosis (IM), which is seen most commonly in adolescents and young adults. IM is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. This infects B-lymphocytes which subsequently produce a heterophile antibody which is identified through its reaction with the Paul Bunnell antigen and is detected by a latex agglutination method.
The mononuclear spot test or monospot test, a form of the heterophile antibody test, is a rapid test for infectious mononucleosis due to Epstein–Barr virus (EBV). It is an improvement on the Paul–Bunnell test.
Heterophile Antibodies are detected in infected patients.
