Lyme disease in pregnancy is caused by which organism and can lead to which fetal outcomes?

• A. A virus transmitted by mosquitoes causing fever.
• B. A fungus that grows in soil and causes skin infections.
• C. Bacteria found in ticks that can cause stillbirth and heart defects.
• D. A parasite transmitted by contaminated water.

Answer: (C)

Lyme disease in pregnancy is caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, a bacterium carried by ticks. Because it’s a bacterial infection, it can affect the fetus if transmitted, and adverse fetal outcomes can include stillbirth and heart involvement or defects due to fetal infection and inflammation. It is not a viral, fungal, or parasitic illness, and transmission occurs through a tick bite, not mosquitoes, contaminated water, or soil exposure. Early detection and appropriate antibiotic treatment during pregnancy help reduce risk to the fetus.