Which disease causes joint inflammation and is spread by black-legged ticks?

Lyme disease is a well-known condition that results from the bite of an infected black-legged tick, commonly referred to as the deer tick. The causative agent of Lyme disease is the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. When these ticks attach to the skin of a host and feed on their blood, they can transmit this bacterium, which leads to a variety of symptoms, including joint inflammation, known as Lyme arthritis.

The characteristic joint inflammation associated with Lyme disease can occur weeks or months after the initial tick bite and may affect large joints, most commonly the knees. Additionally, Lyme disease often presents with other symptoms like fever, headache, fatigue, and a distinctive skin rash called erythema migrans.

Understanding the vector's role in the transmission of Lyme disease is essential for prevention techniques, such as avoiding tick-infested areas and using repellents. Highlighting the unique association of Lyme disease with black-legged ticks helps to solidify its identification compared to other diseases, which do not involve these specific vectors or result in similar joint inflammatory responses.