Epstein-Barr virus is linked to which of the following conditions?

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is known to be associated with various conditions, including certain forms of leukoplakia, particularly those that can occur in immunocompromised patients. EBV is best known for causing infectious mononucleosis, and it has also been implicated in several malignancies, notably Burkitt lymphoma and nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Leukoplakia is characterized by white patches in the oral cavity that cannot be easily wiped away and may indicate cellular changes or precancerous conditions. In particular, forms of leukoplakia that manifest in individuals with compromised immune systems have been linked to viral infections, including EBV.

The other conditions listed do not have significant direct associations with EBV. Oral thrush is generally caused by an overgrowth of Candida species, aphthous ulcers are typically idiopathic, and cold sores are primarily caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). Therefore, the link between EBV and leukoplakia is crucial in understanding the broader implications of viral infections on oral health and potential malignant transformations.