A nurse is reviewing a patient’s chart and notices that the patient suffers from Lyme disease. Which of the following microorganisms is related to this condition?
A. Borrelia burgdorferi
B. Streptococcus pyogenes
C. Bacillus anthracis
D. Enterococcus faecalis
Correct Answer: A. Borrelia burgdorferi
Lyme disease is the most common vector-borne disease in the United States. Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and rarely, Borrelia mayonii.
Option B: Group A Streptococcus (group A strep, Streptococcus pyogenes) can cause both noninvasive and invasive disease, as well as nonsuppurative sequelae.
Option C: Anthrax is a serious infectious disease caused by gram-positive, rod-shaped bacteria known as Bacillus anthracis.
Option D: Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium are the most prevalent species cultured from humans, accounting for more than 90% of clinical isolates. Infections commonly caused by enterococci include urinary tract infection (UTIs), endocarditis, bacteremia, catheter-related infections, wound infections, and intra-abdominal and pelvic infections.