No Known common name

Genus Borrelia

Species burgdorferi

Microscopic obligate parasite

Apart of eubacteria phylum spirochaetes

Gram-negative bacteria

20-30 micrometer in length

0.2-0.5 micrometer in width

linear chromosomes

The flagella being located in the parasite allows it to move through fluids and materials such as tissues making it highly invasive

The parasite relies on the host for substances such as carbohydrates and glucose due to its limited metabolic capabilities

Genome is completely sequenced but the mechanism of its pathogenicity is not completely understood

Definitive hosts: Ticks

Intermediate hosts: vertebrates, small mammals, and others