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A patient presents with fever, malaise, and a skin lesion resembling a "bull's eye" rash at the site of a tick bite. Which of the following is the most likely causative agent?

  • A. Plasmodium falciparum
  • B. Trypanosoma cruzi
  • C. Borrelia burgdorferi
  • D. Leishmania donovani
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The most likely causative agent in this scenario is Borrelia burgdorferi, which is the bacterium responsible for causing Lyme disease. The classic presentation of Lyme disease includes fever, malaise, and a skin lesion resembling a "bull's eye" rash, known as erythema migrans. This rash typically appears at the site of a tick bite. If left untreated, Lyme disease can progress to involve multiple organ systems and lead to more severe complications. Plasmodium falciparum is the causative agent of malaria, which typically presents with symptoms such as fever, chills, and fatigue, but it does not cause a "bull's eye" rash. Trypanosoma cruzi is the parasite responsible for Chagas disease, which presents with symptoms such as fever, swelling at the site of entry (typically the bite wound), and enlarged lymph nodes, but it does not