Lyme Disease vs. Rickettsial Diseases: Different Bacteria, Different Transmission

Lyme disease is not a rickettsial disease. It is caused by the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi, transmitted by Ixodes tick bites. Rickettsial diseases (e.g., Rocky Mountain spotted fever) are caused by Rickettsia species, also tick-borne but biologically distinct. Accurate diagnosis guides appropriate antibiotic therapy.