Borrelia burgdorferi has evolved several survival tactics that make it a formidable opponent for the immune system:
This spirochete causes a characteristic annular rash, arthritis, carditis, and in late stages, encephalopathy. National Institutes of Health (.gov) Why Is Lyme Disease So Hard to Treat? borrelia burgdorferi
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 and in late stages
It can change its outer surface proteins to "camouflage" itself, staying one step ahead of your body's antibodies. borrelia burgdorferi