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.

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 borrelia burgdorferi

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 The bacterium lives in the midgut of certain