Final answer:
The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) establishes lifelong persistent infection primarily in B cells, where it can remain dormant and occasionally reactivate, sometimes leading to serious conditions like Burkitt lymphoma.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) establishes a lifelong persistent infection in B cells. EBV, also known as human herpesvirus 4, is associated with various diseases including infectious mononucleosis and Burkitt lymphoma. Yet, its primary residence is within B lymphocytes. After infection, most B and T cells die off but some survive to become memory cells, which help the immune system to remember the pathogen for future defenses. In cases of immunodeficiency, such as HIV or malaria, EBV can reactivate and lead to malignant conditions like Burkitt lymphoma, which is predominantly a tumor of aberrant B cells. Overall, EBV's ability to reside dormant in B cells while occasionally reactivating ensures its lifelong presence in the host.