Final answer:
Lyme disease is more common in certain regions of the U.S. where the black-legged tick species are found, especially the northeast, mid-Atlantic, north-central, and Pacific coast. Rural and wooded areas pose the main risk for contracting Lyme disease, specifically where there are high populations of white-footed mice. A genetic factor involving Toll-like receptor genes may influence the severity of the disease course.
Step-by-step explanation:
The risk of acquiring Lyme disease is associated with several factors:
- It is more common in the northeast, mid-Atlantic, and north-central U.S., as well as the Pacific coast where the black-legged tick (Ixodes scapularis and Ixodes pacificus) are found.
- Gender and racial data specific to Lyme disease risk were not provided in the information you gave, so we can’t comment on that aspect.
- Rural and wooded areas pose a significant risk for contracting Lyme disease, especially places with a high population of white-footed mice, which are commonly infected by the Lyme disease-causing bacteria.
- Regarding genetic factors, a relation to Toll-like receptor genes is mentioned for a worsened disease course among those already infected with Lyme disease, though specific details were not provided in your information.