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 borrelia burgdorferi
Borrelia burgdorferi has evolved several survival tactics that make it a formidable opponent for the immune system: Instead, it uses manganese, allowing it to bypass
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. Its spiral shape allows it to "drill" through
Its spiral shape allows it to "drill" through dense tissues, like cartilage and nerves, where other bacteria might get stuck.
Transmission usually requires the tick to be attached for 36 to 48 hours or more.