Final answer:
After infection, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) causes infectious mononucleosis in young adults with symptoms including pharyngitis, fever, fatigue, and lymph node swelling. In immunocompromised individuals or those with malaria or HIV, EBV can lead to Burkitt lymphoma. EBV may also enter a latent phase after the initial infection, with a risk of reactivating under certain conditions and contributing to the development of B-cell lymphomas.
Step-by-step explanation:
Manifestation of Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) After Infection in Infants vs. Young Adults
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), also known as Human herpesvirus 4 (HHV-4), is responsible for causing different manifestations in infected individuals, depending on their age and immune status. In uninfected young adults, exposure to EBV often leads to infectious mononucleosis, with symptoms such as pharyngitis, fever, fatigue, and lymph node swelling. In severe cases, spleen and liver enlargement may cause abdominal pain.
In infants and young children, perinatal infection with EBV is generally milder. However, it can occasionally lead to more serious outcomes, such as lung, spleen, or liver damage. In immunocompromised patients, like those with HIV or malaria, EBV can result in aggressive cancers such as Burkitt lymphoma. This condition largely affects children in Africa and is characterized by rapid tumor growth.
EBV can also establish a latent infection in B cells of the immune system with the potential for reactivation under certain conditions, such as stress or immunosuppression. This latency can eventually contribute to the development of B-cell lymphomas, particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems.