[Etiological factors in Burkitt's disease].

Different aetiological factors of Burkitt's disease, or Burkitt's lymphoma (BL) are considered in an analytical, then synthetical point of view, according to present admitted facts. Epidemiologic data are recalled in order to assign a place to the disease. Relations with Epstein-Barr virus (E.B.V.) are well-known by comparative pathology (connections between animal tumors and herpetic virus), virologic and serologic studies; the role of E.B.V. is based on the presence of viral genomas and nuclear antigens in tumoral cells of B.L.; there are B.L. without E.B.V., but constantly improved study of anti-E.B.V. antibodies, and viral markers, will may be decrease their number. Connections with malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum are recognized. Discovery of chromosomal aberrations is a new important stage. At the present time, it is generally guessed that: a) the initiation of malignant process might be induced by E.B.V. b) an external agent might cause the promotion of cellular division. c) chromosomal abnormality might be responsible for the malignant transformation.