Lyme disease is transmitted by which tick? (Alternate phrasing)

• A. Deer tick
• B. Dog tick
• C. Lone star tick
• D. American dog tick

Answer: (A)

Lyme disease is transmitted by a specific tick species that serves as the primary vector in many areas. The bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi is carried by the deer tick, commonly known as Ixodes scapularis in North America. Transmission usually occurs after the tick has been attached and feeding for about 24 to 48 hours, with the risk higher when bites go unnoticed in the nymph stage, which is very small.

The other ticks listed are associated more with different diseases: the dog tick and American dog tick are linked to illnesses like Rocky Mountain spotted fever and tularemia, while the lone star tick can transmit ehrlichiosis and a rash illness related to tick bites. Lyme disease is not typically transmitted by these ticks.

So, the deer tick is the correct vector for Lyme disease.