Borrelia: Burgdorferi

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

It can change its outer surface proteins to "camouflage" itself, staying one step ahead of your body's antibodies. 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 Unlike almost all other life forms, this bacterium

Transmission usually requires the tick to be attached for 36 to 48 hours or more. Symptoms to Watch For It can change its

When an infected tick latches on to feed, the bacteria migrate from its gut to its salivary glands and then into your bloodstream.

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?