Lyme Disease is an Example of a Disease That Is

Question

Lyme disease is an example of a disease that is due to
A) increased interaction between humans and tick-carrying animals.
B) failure to effectively vaccinate children.
C) a mutation in the human genome.
D) climate change leading to a significantly greater mosquito population.
E) an increase in the number of people travelling to Asia and Africa.

Accepted Answer

Lyme disease is a tick-borne illness that is transmitted by the blacklegged tick (also known as the deer tick) and is caused by the spiral-shaped bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. The incidence of Lyme disease has increased over time due to increased exposure to tick-infested areas as a result of human activities such as suburbanization and recreational activities in wooded areas. Therefore, the most likely cause of Lyme disease is increased interaction between humans and tick-carrying animals.