26th April 2024

A 30-year-old woman, who recently returned from a camping trip in a wooded area, presents with a rash and flu-like symptoms.

A 30-year-old woman, who recently returned from a camping trip in a wooded area, presents with a rash and flu-like symptoms. She noticed a red, expanding rash with a clear centre on her thigh, which appeared about a week after the trip. She has been experiencing headaches, fatigue, and joint pains alongside the rash.

Her temperature is 37.8°C, pulse rate 85 bpm regular, and BP 120/75 mmHg. Physical examination reveals a single erythematous lesion with central clearing, approximately 5 cm in diameter, on her right thigh. No other skin lesions are noted, and the rest of the examination is unremarkable.

Which of the following is the most likely causative organism?