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

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.