Which tick species transmits Borrelia burgdorferi, the agent of Lyme disease?

Study for the PANCE Infectious Disease Test. Dive into flashcards and multiple choice questions, each equipped with hints and detailed explanations. Prepare thoroughly for your exam!

Multiple Choice

Which tick species transmits Borrelia burgdorferi, the agent of Lyme disease?

Explanation:
Lyme disease is transmitted by Ixodes ticks, with the primary vectors being Ixodes scapularis in the eastern United States and Ixodes pacificus in the west. These ticks acquire Borrelia burgdorferi when feeding on infected hosts and transmit the spirochete after prolonged attachment, usually 24–48 hours. Other tick genera listed are associated with different pathogens (Dermacentor with RMSF, Amblyomma and Rhipicephalus with other diseases), so Ixodes is the best answer for transmission of Borrelia burgdorferi.

Lyme disease is transmitted by Ixodes ticks, with the primary vectors being Ixodes scapularis in the eastern United States and Ixodes pacificus in the west. These ticks acquire Borrelia burgdorferi when feeding on infected hosts and transmit the spirochete after prolonged attachment, usually 24–48 hours. Other tick genera listed are associated with different pathogens (Dermacentor with RMSF, Amblyomma and Rhipicephalus with other diseases), so Ixodes is the best answer for transmission of Borrelia burgdorferi.

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