Pathology · single question
Hairy leukoplakia in an HIV-positive patient is caused by:
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: D. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)
- A. Candida causes pseudomembranous candidiasis (thrush), which CAN be wiped off, leaving a raw, erythematous surface — unlike hairy leukoplakia.
- B. HHV-8 causes Kaposi's sarcoma, not hairy leukoplakia.
- C. HPV causes papillomas (condylomas, squamous papillomas) in the oral cavity; not hairy leukoplakia.
- D. Correct. Hairy leukoplakia is caused by EBV reactivation in immunocompromised patients (typically HIV+). It presents as white, vertical corrugations on the lateral tongue borders that CANNOT be wiped off.