**Core Concept**
Herpangina is an acute, self-limiting illness characterized by the appearance of small, vesicular lesions on the tonsils and pharynx, often accompanied by fever and sore throat. This condition is typically caused by viral infections, with coxsackieviruses being a common culprit.

**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer is related to the pathophysiology of herpangina. The condition is caused by viral infections, which lead to the destruction of the epithelial cells on the tonsils and pharynx. This destruction results in the formation of small, vesicular lesions, which eventually rupture to form ulcers. The immune response to the viral infection also contributes to the inflammation and pain associated with herpangina.

**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Herpangina is caused by bacterial infections. This statement is incorrect because herpangina is primarily caused by viral infections, not bacterial ones.

**Option B:** Herpangina is characterized by the presence of large, painful ulcers on the tongue. This statement is incorrect because herpangina is typically associated with small, vesicular lesions on the tonsils and pharynx, not large ulcers on the tongue.

**Option C:** Herpangina is a chronic condition that requires long-term antibiotic treatment. This statement is incorrect because herpangina is an acute, self-limiting illness that typically resolves on its own without the need for antibiotic treatment.

**Option D:** Herpangina is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. This statement is incorrect because herpangina is primarily caused by coxsackieviruses, not the Epstein-Barr virus.

**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Herpangina is often confused with other conditions that cause sore throat, such as streptococcal pharyngitis. However, the presence of small, vesicular lesions on the tonsils and pharynx is a key distinguishing feature of herpangina.

**Correct Answer: D. Herpangina is caused by coxsackieviruses.**