Borrelia Burgdorferi 〈Top 10 QUICK〉

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.

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

Borrelia burgdorferi has evolved several survival tactics that make it a formidable opponent for the immune system:

When an infected tick latches on to feed, the bacteria migrate from its gut to its salivary glands and then into your bloodstream. Its spiral shape allows it to "drill" through

It can change its outer surface proteins to "camouflage" itself, staying one step ahead of your body's antibodies.

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 1. How It Spreads

The Stealthy Invader: Understanding Borrelia burgdorferi Borrelia burgdorferi is the primary bacterium responsible for in North America . This spiral-shaped "spirochete" is a master of adaptation, designed to survive and thrive within both ticks and human hosts. 1. How It Spreads