Borrelia Burgdorferi Now
Its spiral shape allows it to "drill" through dense tissues, like cartilage and nerves, where other bacteria might get stuck.
This spirochete causes a characteristic annular rash, arthritis, carditis, and in late stages, encephalopathy. National Institutes of Health (.gov) Why Is Lyme Disease So Hard to Treat? borrelia burgdorferi
Most humans are infected by nymphs —immature ticks about the size of a poppy seed, which are incredibly difficult to spot. 2. A "Smart" Bacterium Its spiral shape allows it to "drill" through
When an infected tick latches on to feed, the bacteria migrate from its gut to its salivary glands and then into your bloodstream. Most humans are infected by nymphs —immature ticks
Transmission usually requires the tick to be attached for 36 to 48 hours or more.
Unlike almost all other life forms, this bacterium does not need iron to survive. Instead, it uses manganese, allowing it to bypass the body's natural defense of "starving" invaders of iron. 3. Symptoms to Watch For
Borrelia burgdorferi has evolved several survival tactics that make it a formidable opponent for the immune system:
