Final answer:
Malaria is caused by the protozoan genus Plasmodium and transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes, while Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and transmitted by blacklegged ticks.
Step-by-step explanation:
The pathogens that cause malaria and Lyme disease are the protozoan Plasmodium and the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, respectively.
Malaria is caused by different species of protozoan parasites belonging to the genus Plasmodium, with Plasmodium falciparum being the most dangerous to humans. These parasites are transmitted by the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito. Once inside the human body, the parasites multiply within red blood cells, causing symptoms such as fever, chills, and anemia.
Lyme disease, on the other hand, is caused by a type of bacteria known as spirochetes, specifically Borrelia burgdorferi. The disease is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected blacklegged ticks, commonly known as deer ticks. These ticks are the vectors that carry the bacteria from one host to another. Lyme disease can lead to a wide range of symptoms, starting from a distinctive skin rash to more severe neurological and cardiac issues if left untreated.
Learn more about Pathogens of Malaria and Lyme Disease