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Organisms Borne by Ticks and Other Vectors 251

CASE STUDY

1. Roberto lives in a northeastern state bordering the Atlantic coast. He spends time in
the woods during the summer, searching for small lakes where his goal is to catch a
prize bass that he can mount over his mantel. A few weeks after returning from such
a fishing trip that lasted several days, Roberto experienced a mild fever and a circular
rash on the inside of his forearm. At first he ignored the rash, thinking it resulted
from contact with a poisonous plant while working in his yard, but as the rash grew
larger, Roberto continued to experience a low-grade fever and headaches. He visited
his physician, who placed him on antibiotics for a possible tick-borne illness. What
is the name of the probable disease, and what organism is implicated in this type of
infection?

STUDY QUESTIONS

1. How long does a tick need to be imbedded in the 6. Where was the disease now called Lyme disease
skin of its victim before transmitting most illnesses? first described?
2. What are some of the ways a tick becomes aware of 7. What tick-borne disease results in up to 5 percent
and is attracted to a potential victim? fatalities even with the effective treatment available
3. How do some insect repellents work in keeping today?
insects away from their intended victims? 8. What is the major difference between babeosis and
4. What is a serious consequence of Lyme disease the Plasmodium parasites that cause malaria?
that occurs when the condition is untreated and 9. What clinical features, signs, and symptoms occur
progresses to Stage Two? with the condition of ehrlichiosis?
5. What are the major clinical signs of Stage Three of
Lyme disease, where permanent damage may occur?