Which virus is associated with nasopharyngeal carcinoma?

• A. HIV
• B. EBV (Epstein-Barr Virus)
• C. CMV (Cytomegalovirus)
• D. HPV (Human Papillomavirus)

Answer: (B)

Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) is significantly associated with nasopharyngeal carcinoma, a type of head and neck cancer. EBV is a member of the herpesvirus family, and it is known to be present in the majority of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cases. The mechanism involves the virus's ability to infect epithelial cells in the nasopharynx and also establish latent infections, leading to immune evasion and oncogenic changes that facilitate tumor development.

The association between EBV and nasopharyngeal carcinoma is particularly strong in certain populations, such as those from Southeast Asia, where the incidence of the disease is notably higher. EBV contributes to the malignant transformation of nasopharyngeal epithelial cells, and its presence can often be detected in the tumor cells.

The other viruses listed (HIV, CMV, HPV) are associated with various malignancies but do not have the same established causal relationship with nasopharyngeal carcinoma. For instance, HPV is recognized more for its association with cervical cancer and other anogenital cancers, rather than directly contributing to the development of nasopharyngeal carcinoma.