Burgdorferi - Borrelia

Its spiral shape allows it to "drill" through dense tissues, like cartilage and nerves, where other bacteria might get stuck.

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 borrelia burgdorferi

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

Borrelia burgdorferi has evolved several survival tactics that make it a formidable opponent for the immune system: A "Smart" Bacterium The bacterium lives in the

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