Lyme disease is caused by bacteria, specifically by the Borrelia burgdorferi bacterium. The disease is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected black-legged ticks, commonly known as deer ticks. Therefore, the tick is the vector or carrier of the disease, but the cause of the illness is the bacteria, not the tick itself.
To find this information, you can refer to reputable sources such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or the Mayo Clinic. These sources provide reliable and up-to-date information on medical conditions and their causes.
In the case of Lyme disease, the CDC website states that it is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and provides detailed information about the disease and its transmission.
The Mayo Clinic website also confirms that it is caused by bacteria, specifically the Borrelia burgdorferi bacterium, and explains how the disease is transmitted through the bite of infected ticks.
It's important to consult trusted sources and reliable medical information to get accurate answers to health-related questions.