Which specific bacterium transmitted by *I. pacificus* is responsible for causing Lyme disease?
Answer
Borrelia burgdorferi
The Western Blacklegged Tick, *Ixodes pacificus*, functions as a competent vector for multiple clinically significant pathogens in its western North American range. Among these, *Borrelia burgdorferi* stands out as the specific bacterium responsible for causing Lyme disease. Although the tick also transmits agents causing Anaplasmosis (*Anaplasma phagocytophilum*) and Babesiosis (*Babesia microti*), *B. burgdorferi* is the agent uniquely identified with the classic presentation of Lyme disease, necessitating focused monitoring in areas where this tick species is prevalent.
Related Questions
Which Phylum classification groups *Ixodes pacificus* with insects and crustaceans?What key leg count distinguishes the Class Arachnida of *I. pacificus* from insects?What distinct morphological feature defines *I. pacificus* belonging to Family Ixodidae?What biological capability inherent to the *Ixodes* genus alerts professionals to potential neurotoxic effects?What specific epithet in *Ixodes pacificus* clearly indicates its primary geographical confinement?How long do *Ixodes* species, including *I. pacificus*, often require to progress from larva to adult stage?Which specific bacterium transmitted by *I. pacificus* is responsible for causing Lyme disease?What feature dictates that *I. pacificus* surveillance data must often be tracked separately from *I. scapularis* records?Which specific small mammal is identified as a critical reservoir host for Lyme disease bacteria in California for *I. pacificus*?What host type do the larval stages of *I. pacificus* commonly target for feeding during their development?What characteristic separates ticks in Order Ixodida from other mites in Subclass Acari?