As ticks travel from host to host (for example from a lizard to a dog), they often pick up several other bacteria, referred to as co-bacteria. This means that most Lyme disease patients' immune system become suppressed, as not only are they attempting to fight off B Burgdorferi, but they also become overwhelmed with other bacteria and viruses.
Ticks can be very small and their bite technique is extremely complex, meaning that many people remain unaware when being bitten. Approximately 30% of Lyme patients report a 'bulls-eye rash' after being bitten by a Lyme infected tick.
Lyme Disease is said to be one of the most complicated diseases known to human. The B Burgdorferi is corkscrew shaped meaning that it is able to invade virtually every organ and every tissue of the body. The disease can cause sufferers to have many symptoms that mimic other disease - many people are diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue, Anxiety, Stress, MS or other diseases of unknown origin before being correctly diagnosed with Lyme. Many sufferers aren't diagnosed until Lyme is in its later stages, making it very difficult to treat.
Bibliography:
http://www.lymedisease.org.au/faq/
http://phenomena.nationalgeographic.com/2013/10/30/heres-what-happens-when-a-tick-bites-you/
http://www.lymeneteurope.org/info/the-complexities-of-lyme-disease
