The Epstein Barr Virus and Mononucleosis

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary cause of Mitch's condition?

Cytomegalovirus

Varicella Zoster Virus

Epstein-Barr Virus (correct)

Herpes Simplex Virus

What is a common symptom of Mononucleosis?

Frequent urination

Weight loss

Swollen spleen (correct)

Severe headaches without fever

Which group is at higher risk for Mononucleosis?

Middle-aged adults

Elderly individuals

Infants and toddlers

Teenagers and young adults (correct)

How does Epstein-Barr Virus primarily spread?

Bodily fluids, especially saliva Signup and view all the answers

What is Burkitt's lymphoma associated with?

Co-infection with malaria and EBV Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a symptom of Mononucleosis?

Nausea Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between EBV and certain cancers?

EBV is linked to the development of several types of cancers Signup and view all the answers

Which virus belongs to the same family as Epstein-Barr Virus?

Herpes Simplex Virus Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about Epstein-Barr Virus is FALSE?

EBV is only contagious through direct blood transfusion. Signup and view all the answers

In which demographic is nasopharyngeal carcinoma linked to EBV more commonly observed?

Older Chinese and African men Signup and view all the answers

Match the following symptoms with their associated conditions:

Frothy grayish white substance in throat = Mononucleosis High fever = Mononucleosis Swollen lymph nodes = Mononucleosis Co-infection with malaria = Burkitt's lymphoma Signup and view all the answers

Match the following viruses with their known associated diseases:

Epstein-Barr Virus = Mononucleosis Herpes Simplex Virus 1 = Cold sores Varicella Zoster Virus = Chickenpox Cytomegalovirus = Mononucleosis-like infection Signup and view all the answers

Match the following risk factors with their related conditions:

Young children in central Africa = Burkitt's lymphoma Compromised immune system = Cancerous B lymphocyte changes Close proximity coughing = EBV transmission Teenagers and college students = Mononucleosis prevalence Signup and view all the answers

Match the following types of cancer with their link to EBV:

Burkitt's lymphoma = B lymphocytes Nasopharyngeal carcinoma = Older Chinese and African men Hodgkin's lymphoma = Lymphatic system Non-Hodgkin lymphoma = Virus-related cancer Signup and view all the answers

Match the following symptoms with the respective viral infection:

Extreme fatigue = Mononucleosis Tender abdomen = Mononucleosis Cold sores = Herpes Simplex Virus 1 Coughing = EBV transmission Signup and view all the answers

Match the following infections with their transmission methods:

Mononucleosis = Saliva and close contact Chickenpox = Airborne transmission Cold sores = Direct contact Cytomegalovirus = Body fluids Signup and view all the answers

Match the following demographics with the associated cancer risk:

Young children in Africa = Burkitt's lymphoma Older men in China = Nasopharyngeal carcinoma Immunocompromised patients = Cancerous lymphocyte changes College students = Higher EBV infection rates Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms with their definitions:

Lymphatics = Network for lymphatic fluid circulation Lymphocytes = Cells in the immune system Mononucleosis = Infection often marked by severe fatigue Herpesviruses = Large family of viruses including EBV Signup and view all the answers

Match the following viruses with their characteristic features:

Epstein-Barr Virus = Commonly asymptomatic Herpes Simplex Virus 2 = Genital herpes Cytomegalovirus = Opportunistic infections Varicella Zoster Virus = Shingles reactivation Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Mononucleosis

Caused by the Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)
Common human virus, over 90% of people have had it by middle age but it's usually asymptomatic.
Part of the Herpesviruses family (includes HSV 1 & 2, Varicella Zoster, Cytomegalovirus)
Symptoms: high fever, swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, extreme fatigue, head & body aches, swollen liver/spleen, rash
Most commonly affects teenagers and young adults
Highly contagious spread through bodily fluids (saliva, blood, semen), especially saliva
Transmission occurs through kissing, sharing utensils/cups, coughing in close proximity

EBV and Cancer/Autoimmunity

Lymphoma is a cancer originating in the lymphatic system, caused by lymphocytes growing uncontrollably
EBV is associated with several cancers, especially in high-risk groups:
- Burkitt's lymphoma: Linked to EBV and malaria co-infection, particularly in young children in central Africa resulting in B cell cancer.
- Nasopharyngeal carcinoma: Associated with EBV in older Chinese and African men; the exact process of development is unknown.

Mononucleosis

Caused by Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)
Affects over 90% of humans by middle age (usually asymptomatic)
Part of the Herpesviruses family (includes Herpes Simplex Viruses 1 & 2, Varicella Zoster Virus, Cytomegalovirus)
Symptoms: high fever, swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, extreme fatigue, head and body aches, swollen liver and/or spleen, rash
Most common in teenagers and young adults
Extremely contagious, spread through: saliva (kissing, sharing utensils), blood, semen
Causes a mononucleosis-like infection

EBV and Cancer

Linked to lymphoma (cancer in the lymphatic system), particularly Burkitt's lymphoma
This cancer originates in the lymphatic system due to uncontrollable lymphocyte growth.
Patients with compromised immune systems (co-infections) are at higher risk for developing Burkitt's lymphoma, especially children in central Africa with malaria and EBV.
Also associated with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (cancer in the nasopharynx) in older Chinese and African men.

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Description

This quiz explores the causes, symptoms, and transmission of Mononucleosis, primarily caused by the Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV). It also delves into the association of EBV with various cancers and autoimmune diseases. Test your knowledge on this common yet often asymptomatic virus.