What disease can be transmitted by ticks found on rodents?

Tick-borne relapsing fever is indeed associated with ticks that infest rodents, particularly the soft ticks of the family Argasidae. These ticks can transmit the spirochete bacteria of the Borrelia genus, which are responsible for causing relapsing fever. This disease is characterized by recurrent episodes of fever, which can lead to more serious complications if left untreated.

In contrast, Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever are primarily transmitted by specific hard ticks; Lyme disease is predominantly associated with the black-legged tick, while Rocky Mountain spotted fever is mainly spread by the American dog tick. Typhus, caused by rickettsial bacteria, is primarily transmitted by fleas rather than ticks. Thus, understanding the specific vectors associated with each disease is crucial for effective pest control and public health awareness.