Lyme Disease is an infection caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi Lyme Disease is an infection caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, which can be transmitted by the bite of certain species of ticks. The disease often starts as a skin rash and can progress to more serious stages involving joint, nerve, or heart tissue.
Antibiotics are usually effective, especially if treatment starts early in the disease process.
Lyme Disease has now been reported in at least 47 states in the U.S., as well as in many countries throughout the world. The spirochete is named for its discoverer, Dr. Willy Burgdorfer of the United States Public Health Service.