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Multiple Choice
In contrast to Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever:
A
typically presents with a bull's-eye rash at the site of the bite
B
is caused by a bacterium of the genus Rickettsia rather than Borrelia
C
is most commonly found in the northeastern United States
D
is transmitted primarily by mosquitoes instead of ticks
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the key differences between Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium *Borrelia burgdorferi*, while Rocky Mountain spotted fever is caused by a bacterium of the genus *Rickettsia* (specifically *Rickettsia rickettsii*).
Recall that Lyme disease is typically associated with a bull's-eye rash (erythema migrans) at the site of the tick bite, whereas Rocky Mountain spotted fever often presents with a different type of rash that starts on the wrists and ankles and spreads to the trunk.
Note that Lyme disease is most commonly found in the northeastern United States, while Rocky Mountain spotted fever is more prevalent in the southeastern and south-central United States.
Understand the mode of transmission: Lyme disease is transmitted by ticks, specifically the black-legged tick (*Ixodes scapularis*), while Rocky Mountain spotted fever is also transmitted by ticks, such as the American dog tick (*Dermacentor variabilis*), not mosquitoes.
Based on the above distinctions, identify the correct statement: Rocky Mountain spotted fever is caused by a bacterium of the genus *Rickettsia* rather than *Borrelia*.