Epstein-Barr virus is associated with development of:
A lymphoma.
B cervical cancer.
C breast and skin cancer.
D liver cancers.
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer: A. Lymphoma
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a member of the herpesvirus family, is strongly associated with the development of certain types of lymphoma, especially Burkitt lymphoma and Hodgkin lymphoma. EBV infects B lymphocytes and epithelial cells and can remain latent in the body for a lifetime. It is most commonly known for causing infectious mononucleosis, but its oncogenic potential is well documented.
EBV contributes to the development of cancer by inserting its viral DNA into host cells. This causes uncontrolled cell proliferation, suppression of apoptosis (programmed cell death), and immune evasion. These changes support the transformation of normal B cells into malignant cells. For example, in Burkitt lymphoma, which is prevalent in equatorial Africa, EBV infection is nearly always present. In Hodgkin lymphoma, particularly the mixed-cellularity and lymphocyte-depleted subtypes, EBV DNA is often detected in the tumor cells.
In addition to lymphomas, EBV is also associated with nasopharyngeal carcinoma, particularly in Southeast Asia, and some gastric carcinomas. However, it is not considered a cause of cervical cancer (which is linked to human papillomavirus, or HPV), breast and skin cancers (often associated with hormonal, environmental, or ultraviolet radiation factors), or liver cancer (commonly caused by hepatitis B and C viruses, or cirrhosis).
The ability of EBV to evade immune surveillance and persist in the body allows it to interact with genetic and environmental factors that may trigger malignancy. Its role in lymphomagenesis makes it a major target of study in oncology and virology. Understanding EBV’s behavior can help improve early detection, targeted therapy, and possibly the development of vaccines in the future.