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