Final answer:
Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected Ixodes ticks. Notable for its potential to cause various chronic health issues if untreated, the presence of Lyme disease typically depends on the geographical distribution of the Ixodes tick species.
Step-by-step explanation:
Lyme Disease Transmission
Lyme disease is a recurrent inflammatory disorder that is caused by the Gram-negative spirochete bacterium known as Borrelia burgdorferi. This bacterium is transmitted to humans through the bite of certain species of ticks, specifically the hard-bodied, black-legged Ixodes tick. The different species such as I. scapularis and I. pacificus are responsible for the transmission of B. burgdorferi in the United States. Lyme disease is noted for a variety of symptoms and can cause chronic issues if left untreated.
Lyme disease is the most commonly reported vectorborne illness in the US, and its transmission is an example of vector transmission, where the tick acts as the carrier of the disease-causing pathogen. Infection occurs when a tick infected with Borrelia burgdorferi bites a human, transferring the bacteria into the human host's bloodstream. The presence of this disease is heavily dependent on the geographical distribution of the Ixodes tick species.
An indicator of Lyme disease can be the appearance of a characteristic bullseye rash, although not everyone infected will develop this symptom. When a person is bitten by an infected tick, the bacteria are transmitted, and if Lyme disease is not treated, it can lead to serious chronic health problems including disorders of the nervous system, eyes, joints, and heart.