Which virus is the causative agent of Infectious Mononucleosis and is associated with Burkitt's lymphoma?

Which virus is the causative agent of Infectious Mononucleosis and is associated with Burkitt's lymphoma?

• A. Epstein-Barr virus
• B. Herpes simplex virus type 1
• C. Varicella-zoster virus
• D. Cytomegalovirus

Answer: (A)

Epstein-Barr virus is the virus that links infectious mononucleosis to Burkitt's lymphoma. It’s a herpesvirus that commonly infects B cells and can establish latent infection after the initial exposure. When the infection occurs in adolescence or young adulthood, it often presents as infectious mononucleosis with symptoms like fever, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, and fatigue. Beyond causing mono, EBV can promote B-cell proliferation and survival. In Burkitt's lymphoma, a characteristic chromosomal translocation involving the c-myc gene drives rapid cell growth, and EBV is frequently associated with these tumors, especially in endemic regions where it contributes to the lymphomagenesis process. The other viruses listed cause distinct diseases (for example, herpes simplex virus type 1 causes cold sores, varicella-zoster causes chickenpox/shingles, cytomegalovirus can cause congenital or mononucleosis-like symptoms) and are not characteristically tied to Burkitt's lymphoma.