Lyme Disease - Definition



Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi ( Bb ). The bacterium is carried by ticks and is transmitted to humans through a tick bite. The disease is named for the town of Lyme, Connecticut. It was in Lyme that the disease was first discovered in 1975, after a series of unexplained cases of arthritis developed.

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF):
Fluid found around the brain and spinal cord. CSF provides nutrients to the cells of the nervous system and provides a cushion for the structures of the nervous system.
Larva:
An immature form of an organism.
Latency:
A period during which a diseasecausing organism is inactive but not dead.
Nymph:
A stage of development between the most immature and the adult stages of life.
Vector-borne disease:
A disease transferred from one organism to another by means of a third organism, such as an insect or tick.

User Contributions:

Comment about this article, ask questions, or add new information about this topic:


Disclaimer
The Content is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of Content found on the Website.