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Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is associated with which two cancers.

1) Breast cancer and lung cancer
2) Colon cancer and prostate cancer
3) Leukemia and lymphoma
4) Skin cancer and brain cancer

1 Answer

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Final answer:

The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is associated with Burkitt lymphoma and other forms of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. EBV resides in B lymphocytes and can reactivate, leading to cancers in immunocompromised individuals. It is not associated with the cancers listed in options 1, 2, and 4 of the presented choices.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is primarily associated with two types of cancers: Burkitt lymphoma and other forms of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Burkitt lymphoma is a rapidly growing malignant cancer that chiefly consists of aberrant B cells and is more prevalent in areas with high rates of malaria and HIV, affecting children more frequently. Furthermore, EBV can induce the formation of malignant B-cell lymphomas in immunocompromised individuals, such as those with AIDS. These types of cancer are associated with repeated viremia, which occurs when the dormant Epstein-Barr virus is reactivated in the body.

EBV is a human herpesvirus 4 (HHV-4) that can reside within B lymphocytes in a latent state for long periods. Infectious mononucleosis, another disease caused by EBV, is commonly diagnosed among the young population. While it is considered an oncogenic virus, EBV is not associated with breast cancer, lung cancer, colon cancer, prostate cancer, skin cancer, or brain cancer, the latter being caused by other factors such as UV radiation and hepatitis B virus (for liver cancer).

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