MCQ Detailed View

Lyme disease is an infectious illness caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, a type of spirochete bacteria. These bacteria have a spiral shape and are transmitted to humans through the bite of infected black-legged ticks (deer ticks) belonging to the genus Ixodes. Lyme disease is one of the most common vector-borne diseases in North America, Europe, and some parts of Asia.The infection begins when a tick carrying Borrelia burgdorferi attaches to human skin and feeds on blood for several hours. The bacteria then enter the bloodstream and spread to different parts of the body, potentially affecting the skin, joints, heart, and nervous system.

Key symptoms of Lyme disease include:

• 
  

  A distinctive bull's-eye-shaped rash (erythema migrans) around the bite area.

  
  


• 
  

  Fever, headache, chills, fatigue, and muscle aches.

  
  


• 
  

  If untreated, it can lead to arthritis, nerve pain, facial paralysis, and long-term neurological complications.

  
  

The other options listed are unrelated:

• 
  

  Escherichia Coli (E. coli): Normally found in the intestines; some strains cause food poisoning, not Lyme disease.

  
  


• 
  

  Staphylococcus aureus: Causes skin infections, pneumonia, and other illnesses, but not Lyme disease.

  
  


• 
  

  None of these: Incorrect, as Borrelia burgdorferi is a well-established cause of Lyme disease.

  
  

Diagnosis of Lyme disease is usually made through physical symptoms, tick exposure history, and blood tests. Treatment involves antibiotic therapy (doxycycline, amoxicillin), which is most effective when started early. Preventive measures include wearing protective clothing, using tick repellents, and removing ticks promptly after exposure.

Thus, the bacterium that causes Lyme disease is Borrelia burgdorferi, transmitted primarily by infected tick bites.