Lyme disease is an infection caused by bacteria transmitted by a tick bite. Other names for Lyme disease are borreliosis or Bannwarth syndrome. There are four kinds of bacteria that can cause the disease. Two species, Borrelia burgdorferi and Borrelia mayonii, are found in the United States, and another two, Borrelia afzelii and Borrelia garinii are found in Europe and Asia. The black-legged tick, commonly known as a deer tick, contracts the disease from biting diseased mice or deer. In addition to Lyme disease, they can also transmit other disease-causing bacteria, viruses, and parasites, which are referred to as coinfections.One of the first signs of the disease is a red rash appearing anywhere on your body, from 3 to 30 days after being bitten, and sometimes appearing as a bull's-eye or oval shape. If you notice this, take a picture and seek medical attention as soon as possible. It's important to get treatment right away, as early treatment with antibiotics is usually successful, and most people will have a quick and complete recovery. The bacteria move swiftly through the central nervous system and other areas of the body, such as the joints and heart, so the longer treatment is delayed, the more difficult it becomes to treat.
