What Is Lyme Disease?

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection primarily transmitted to humans from the bite of infected blacklegged ticks. The primary pathogen causing the illness is called Borrelia Burgdorferi, which is a corkscrew-shaped spirochete bacterium.  It is the most common Borrelia species. Many refer to Lyme Disease as an all-encompassing term for tickborne illness, however, there are several co-infections that fall under the category of Lyme Disease. All bringing different symptoms and complications.

Lyme disease outside the Unites States is often caused by different genospecies of Borrelia Burgdorferi sensu lato species that cause infection outside the United States may not be reliably detected by all tests used for Lyme disease in the Unites States. Providers who suspect internationally-acquired Lyme disease should use diagnostic tests that have been validated for these species. Unfortunately, one bite from a tick can transmit a variety of other harmful illnesses including bacterial, viral and parasites.