Lyme Disease

27.03.2025

Lyme Disease

Why in the news? 

            Scientists have discovered that the enzyme BbLDH is crucial for the survival and infectivity of the Lyme disease bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi.

 About Lyme Disease:

• It is caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi.
• The infection can lead to problems with the skin, heart, brain, and joints.
• It’s transmitted (spread) to humans through a tick bite.

Transmission of the Disease :

• Not all tick bites cause Lyme disease. Only deer ticks (also called black-legged ticks) can spread the bacteria that cause Lyme disease.
• It cannot spread between humans, from pets to humans, through air, food, water, or lice, mosquitoes, fleas, and flies also do not transmit it.
• It is prevalent in wooded and grassy areas worldwide, particularly during warmer months. It is most commonly reported in North America, Europe, and some parts of Asia.

Symptoms of the Disease:

• Typical symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, and a characteristic skin rash called erythema migrans.
• If left untreated, infection can spread to joints, the heart, and the nervous system.
• Treatment: Treatment with antibiotics usually cures Lyme disease, especially when started early.

                                                              Source: The Times of India

Consider the following statements regarding Lyme Disease, recently seen in the news:

1. It is caused by a bacterium.

2. It is primarily transmitted to humans through water contamination.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.1 only

B.2 only

C.Both 1 and 2

D.Neither 1 nor 2

Answer A