Question

What is the most likely causative agent of this condition (oral hairy leukoplakia)?

• A. Candida
• B. Cytomegalovirus
• C. Epstein-Barr Virus
• D. Human Papillomavirus

Hint:

Oral hairy leukoplakia → Lateral border of tongue → Immunocompromised patient → Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Identifying the Clinical Condition.
The image shows a white, corrugated, hairy-like lesion on the lateral border of the tongueThis appearance is characteristic of oral hairy leukoplakiaThe lesion cannot be scraped off and is commonly seen in immunocompromised patients, especially those with HIV infection
Step 2: Understanding the Etiology.
Oral hairy leukoplakia is strongly associated with Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) infectionEBV infects epithelial cells and causes hyperkeratosis and epithelial hyperplasia leading to the typical “hairy” white appearance
Step 3: Excluding Other Options.
Candida causes oral candidiasis, which presents as scrapable white plaques
Cytomegalovirus does not typically cause hairy leukoplakia lesions
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is associated with papillomas and warty lesions, not hairy leukoplakia
Step 4: Conclusion.
Since oral hairy leukoplakia is classically caused by Epstein-Barr Virus, the correct answer is Epstein-Barr Virus