Which tick is known to transmit Lyme disease?

The tick known to transmit Lyme disease is Ixodes scapularis, commonly referred to as the black-legged tick or deer tick. This tick has a significant ecological role, particularly in the northeastern and north-central regions of the United States, where Lyme disease is most prevalent.

Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, which is carried and transmitted by the bite of an infected Ixodes scapularis tick. These ticks are typically found in wooded or grassy areas and are most active during the spring and summer months. Understanding the lifecycle and behavior of Ixodes scapularis is crucial for effective prevention and control measures against Lyme disease.

Other ticks, such as Amblyomma americanum (the lone star tick), Dermacentor variabilis (the American dog tick), and Rhipicephalus sanguineus (the brown dog tick), are associated with different diseases or health issues but do not transmit Lyme disease. This specificity of transmission highlights the need to identify and control the right species when addressing tick-borne illnesses.