Final answer:
The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) causes infectious mononucleosis—characterized by fever, fatigue, and pharyngitis—and Burkitt lymphoma, a fast-growing malignant cancer prevalent in immunocompromised individuals, especially those with HIV or in malaria-endemic regions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), also known as Human herpesvirus 4 (HHV-4), is associated with multiple human diseases, most notably infectious mononucleosis and Burkitt lymphoma. Infectious mononucleosis is often contracted in childhood and is characterized by symptoms such as fever, fatigue, pharyngitis, and lymph node swelling. It is usually self-limiting but can lead to prolonged fatigue. Burkitt lymphoma, a form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that predominantly affects B cells, is a fast-growing malignant cancer occurring chiefly in areas with high malaria or HIV prevalence, such as Africa.
EBV resides in B lymphocytes and can remain latent. In immunocompromised individuals, such as those with HIV, EBV is more likely to cause repeated viremia and contribute to the development of cancers like Burkitt lymphoma or oral hairy leukoplakia. EBV infection can be more severe in patients with HIV due to polyclonal B-cell activation, which allows poorly controlled proliferation of EBV+ B cells, leading to lymphoma. Diagnosis of infectious mononucleosis is usually through clinical symptoms and antibody tests, while Burkitt lymphoma is diagnosed with a biopsy and requires prompt treatment due to the rapid growth of the tumor.