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Lyme bacteria swap ‘catch bonds’ to navigate blood vessels

Infection spreads via technique also used by immune system’s white blood cells

Borrelia burgdorferi

SPECIAL BONDS  The corkscrew-shaped bacteria that cause Lyme disease (Borrelia burgdorferi) attach themselves to the sides of blood vessels using special bonds that get stronger under stress. 

NIAID

By Laurel Hamers

- More than 2 years ago

To zip through the bloodstream and spread infection throughout the body, the bacteria that cause Lyme disease take a cue from the white blood cells trying to attack them.