Borrelia burgdorferi has evolved several survival tactics that make it a formidable opponent for the immune system:
Its spiral shape allows it to "drill" through dense tissues, like cartilage and nerves, where other bacteria might get stuck.
It can change its outer surface proteins to "camouflage" itself, staying one step ahead of your body's antibodies. borrelia burgdorferi
If left untreated, the infection can move through different stages: Borrelia Burgdorferi - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf - NIH
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 it uses manganese
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
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. like cartilage and nerves
Transmission usually requires the tick to be attached for 36 to 48 hours or more.