Virology: Epstein-Barr virus oncogenesis: practice question

A Microbiology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Microbiology · Virology: Epstein-Barr virus oncogenesis

Sample item

A 6-year-old child from a malaria-endemic region has a rapidly growing jaw mass. Biopsy shows a starry-sky pattern, and EBV is detected in the tumour cells. Which genetic change characterises this tumour?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

B. t(8;14) translocation placing c-myc next to the immunoglobulin heavy chain gene

Endemic Burkitt lymphoma is linked to EBV and malaria, and presents as jaw or facial bone tumours in children. The characteristic translocation t(8;14) places the c-myc oncogene under control of the immunoglobulin heavy chain locus, causing deregulated proliferation. Histology shows a starry-sky pattern from macrophages that ingest apoptotic cells.

Option by option

  • A. t(15;17) translocation forming PML-RARA

    t(15;17) is characteristic of acute promyelocytic leukaemia.

  • B. t(8;14) translocation placing c-myc next to the immunoglobulin heavy chain gene (correct)

    Correct. t(8;14) deregulates c-myc in Burkitt lymphoma.

  • C. t(9;22) translocation forming BCR-ABL

    t(9;22) is characteristic of chronic myeloid leukaemia.

  • D. t(14;18) translocation activating BCL2

    t(14;18) with BCL2 is characteristic of follicular lymphoma.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Microbiology question

What is the answer to this Microbiology question?

The best answer is B, t(8;14) translocation placing c-myc next to the immunoglobulin heavy chain gene. Endemic Burkitt lymphoma is linked to EBV and malaria, and presents as jaw or facial bone tumours in children.

Why is "t(15;17) translocation forming PML-RARA" not the answer?

t(15;17) is characteristic of acute promyelocytic leukaemia.

Why is "t(9;22) translocation forming BCR-ABL" not the answer?

t(9;22) is characteristic of chronic myeloid leukaemia.

Why is "t(14;18) translocation activating BCL2" not the answer?

t(14;18) with BCL2 is characteristic of follicular lymphoma.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Virology: Epstein-Barr virus oncogenesis in Microbiology. The characteristic translocation t(8;14) places the c-myc oncogene under control of the immunoglobulin heavy chain locus, causing deregulated proliferation. Histology shows a starry-sky pattern from macrophages that ingest apoptotic cells.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Virology: Epstein-Barr virus oncogenesis?

Make a one-line identity card for each organism: shape and stain, defining test, toxin, disease and drug. Then use the flashcards and the other Microbiology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.