Malaria can trigger a rare form of cancer called Burkitt's lymphoma, according to latest research. Some cases have already been reported from India.

In Burkitt's lymphoma, the immune cells turn cancerous and tumours develop in the lymph nodes, often making the tongue swell and cheeks bulge. The deformities make it increasingly difficult for patients to eat.

Burkitt's lymphoma proves fatal in parts of sub-Saharan Africa where access to necessary medication remains limited. Cases have also been reported from New Guinea, Colombia and India.

Scientists believe that Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a common virus that most kids are exposed to at some point while growing up, commonly causes mononucleosis, reported the online edition of the New Scientist.

This infection produces flu like symptoms and usually goes away on its own in a few weeks with the help of plenty of fluids and rest.

But the virus typically remains dormant, and thus relatively harmless, in the body.

Arnaud Chene and colleagues at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm reported the findings.