What two primary pathogens, besides Lyme disease, are associated with the Western Blacklegged Tick?
Answer
*Borrelia miyamotoi* and Powassan Virus (POWV)
The primary public health concerns regarding *I. pacificus* extend beyond the well-known Lyme disease caused by *Borrelia burgdorferi*. Two other key infections are strongly associated with this tick in the West. The first is *Borrelia miyamotoi*, a bacterium related to the Lyme agent that can cause flu-like illness, particularly affecting immunocompromised individuals. The second significant pathogen is the Powassan Virus (POWV), a rare but severe agent capable of causing dangerous neurological conditions. While Babesiosis or Ehrlichiosis are sometimes associated with general tick literature, the focus for *I. pacificus* remains on these three specific agents.
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