Attention, chocolate lovers: You may not be able to help yourselves. Swiss and British scientists have linked the widespread love of chocolate to a chemical "signature" that may be programmed into our metabolic systems.
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Lyme Disease
- Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
- Symptoms & Signs
- Diagnosis & Tests
- Prevention & Expectations
- Treatment & Monitoring
- Attribution
- View All
Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Lyme disease is an infection with a corkscrew-shaped bacteria called Borrelia burgdorferi. It is passed to humans through tick bites.
What is going on in the body?
After an infected tick bites an individual, the Borrelia burgdorferi organism can cause early local Lyme disease. This may cause a mild flu-like illness and a rash at the site of the bite. If the organism spreads through the body by the bloodstream, it can affect many body systems. This widespread infection is known as disseminated Lyme disease.
What are the causes and risks of the infection?
Lyme disease is caused by Borrelia burgdorferi. This bacteria is carried by certain species of ticks, including the following:
A person in these areas increases his or her risk of acquiring Lyme disease from a tick bite with the following activities:
Lyme disease can also be passed to an unborn child if the baby's mother has the disease during pregnancy.