Answer: B. Epstein barr virus

Explanation: Epstein barr virus is a human herpes virus type 4, belonging to the gamma family. Its latent infection is in the lymphoid tissues. While that of Herpes simplex virus type 1 and 2 is in neurons and that of cytomegalovirus is in secretary glands and kidneys.

Reference: Textbook of Microbiology, Anathanaraya and panicker’s, 8th Edition, Page 468.

Answer: D. Neurons of the sacral ganglia

Explanation: This is a classic example of an infection with herpes simplex virus (probably type 2). This agent causes lytic infections in mucoepithelial cells. It is then retrogradely transported into neurons of the sacral ganglia, where it lays dormant during the asymptomatic phase of the disease.

Fibroblasts may be infected by cytomegalovirus, another herpes virus, but this produces a distinctive mononucleosis- like syndrome in most normal individuals.

Lymphocytes and macrophages may be infected by herpes simplex type 2 but are not the site of residence of the virus during quiescent periods.

Reference: Brooks G.F. (2013). Chapter 33. Herpesviruses. In G.F. Brooks (Ed), Jawetz, Melnick, & Adelberg’s Medical Microbiology, 26e.​