What is a vector for relapsing fever?

Relapsing fever is primarily transmitted by ticks, particularly species from the Ixodes genus and Ornithodoros soft ticks. These ticks become hosts to the spirochetes responsible for causing the disease, namely Borrelia species. When a tick bites a human or animal, it can transfer these pathogens through its saliva, leading to infection. This method of transmission is a key aspect of understanding how relapsing fever spreads and emphasizes the importance of managing tick populations and exposure in regions where the disease is endemic.

The other options provided do not play a significant role in the transmission of relapsing fever. Flies, while they can serve as vectors for other diseases, are not associated with spreading the infectious agents of this specific illness. Similarly, sunlight does not serve as a vector for any disease transmission, as it has no direct role in transferring pathogens. Thus, the involvement of ticks as vectors is central to understanding the epidemiology of relapsing fever.