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?
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
The bacterium lives in the midgut of certain ticks—primarily the (deer tick) in the Northeast and Midwest, and the western blacklegged tick on the Pacific Coast. borrelia burgdorferi
Transmission usually requires the tick to be attached for 36 to 48 hours or more.
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 Instead, it uses manganese, allowing it to bypass
If left untreated, the infection can move through different stages: Borrelia Burgdorferi - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf - NIH
When an infected tick latches on to feed, the bacteria migrate from its gut to its salivary glands and then into your bloodstream. Transmission usually requires the tick to be attached
It can change its outer surface proteins to "camouflage" itself, staying one step ahead of your body's antibodies.