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 one that ties these two clues together. It’s a herpesvirus that commonly causes infectious mononucleosis when people are infected and develop the classic symptoms of fever, sore throat, swollen glands, and fatigue. This same virus has a well-established association with Burkitt’s lymphoma, a B-cell cancer, particularly in regions where malaria is common. EBV can persist in B cells for long periods and can drive genetic changes that promote lymphoma development, such as MYC-related translocations seen in Burkitt’s lymphoma.

Other viruses listed don’t fit both parts of the clue. Herpes simplex virus type 1 mainly causes oral lesions, not mono or Burkitt’s; Varicella-zoster virus causes chickenpox and shingles; cytomegalovirus can produce mono-like symptoms in some cases but isn’t the classic link to Burkitt’s lymphoma.