What bacteria causes Lyme disease?

Lyme disease is an illness caused by bacteria from the Borrelia group. In the United States, the main bacteria that causes Lyme disease is called Borrelia burgdorferi. When a person is bitten by a tick that carries these bacteria, they can get Lyme disease.

Key Points:

• Cause: The bacteria responsible for Lyme disease are known as Borrelia. In the U.S., Borrelia burgdorferi is the most common cause.
• Transmission: Lyme disease is spread through the bite of infected ticks.
• Symptoms: People with Lyme disease might get a rash, fever, headache, or feel tired.

Understanding the bacteria that cause Lyme disease helps doctors know how to treat it and prevent it from spreading. If you spend time in areas where ticks live, it is important to check for ticks and remove them quickly to lower the risk of getting Lyme disease.