Which of the following diseases is caused by mites?

Scabies is indeed caused by mites, specifically the Sarcoptes scabiei mite. This parasitic infestation leads to intense itching and a rash, as the female mites burrow into the skin to lay their eggs, which results in an allergic reaction to the mites and their waste. The transmission typically occurs through prolonged skin-to-skin contact, which can happen in crowded living situations and requires personal hygiene practices to manage and eradicate.

In contrast, the other conditions listed are caused by different pathogens. Tularemia is a bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis, often transmitted through animal contact. Malaria is a mosquito-borne parasitic disease caused by the Plasmodium species, affecting red blood cells. Lyme disease, on the other hand, is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, primarily transmitted through tick bites. Each of these conditions is distinct in terms of causative agents and modes of transmission, emphasizing the unique role that mites play in the context of scabies.