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Cervical lymphadenopathy refers to the swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck area, and it can often be a result of various infections. Mononucleosis, caused primarily by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), is particularly well-known for leading to significant cervical lymphadenopathy. This infection often presents with other symptoms such as fatigue, sore throat, and fever, but the hallmark feature is the enlargement of the posterior cervical lymph nodes.

While other infections can also cause lymphadenopathy, the magnitude and the location of the lymph node involvement in mononucleosis are distinctive. In contrast, streptococcal pharyngitis might cause some lymph node swelling but is usually associated with anterior cervical lymphadenopathy rather than the diffuse posterior pattern seen in mononucleosis. Influenza can cause systemic symptoms and some lymph node enlargement, but it is not as characteristically linked to cervical lymphadenopathy as mononucleosis. Pneumonia can lead to lymphadenopathy, particularly in cases with pulmonary complications, but again, it is not specifically associated with cervical node enlargement as strongly as mononucleosis is.

Thus, when it comes to infections most commonly associated with an increase in cervical lymphadenopathy, monon