What is Lyme Disease

Lyme disease is a kind of infection that caused by bacteria called Borrelia burgdoferi. Lyme disase is not cause by virus, even the spreading of this disease very fast through the body. This disease is transmitted to people and animals by the bite of an infected blacklegged tick, or Ixodes Scapularis, commonly called as deer tick, and Ixodes pacificus (wetern black legged tick). Although other types of ticks such as the Dermancentor variabilis (American dog) and some insects have been shown to carry of Lyme disease bacteria, but until today the transmission of lyme disease through those vectors has not been proven. People usually get lyme disease from ticks infected with lyme spirochetes. Most human cases are caused by the nymphal, or immature, form of the tick. Nymphs are about the size of a poppy seed. This animals bite is not painful so many people do not realize of this infection.

Lyme disease is found in approximately 65 countries world wide, although different types of ticks and different strains of bacteria may be involved. Lyme diseases is a multi-systemic disease, and the bacteria, Borrelia burgdorferi (Bb), may be found in many different organs.

Ticks may remain attached for several days while they feed. The longer they remain attached, the greater the risk that will pass the Lyme bacteria into your bloodstream, where they will start spreading throughout your body.

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Lyme Diseases Viruses