How Can You Get Lyme Disease?

Most people associate Lyme disease with tick bites — and while ticks are the primary known vector, emerging research and clinical observations suggest that Borrelia burgdorferi and other tick-borne pathogens may be transmitted through a broader range of exposure routes.

Here’s what you need to know:

🕷️ 1. Ticks (Primary Vector)

• Lyme disease is most commonly transmitted through the bite of an infected black-legged tick (often called a deer tick).

• The tick’s saliva contains Borrelia burgdorferi, which enters the bloodstream during the bite.

📚 CDC Tick-Borne Diseases Overview

🦟 2. Other Biting Insects

• Mosquitoes, fleas, biting flies, and mites have all been found in some studies to carry Borrelia or co-infections. Though not yet universally accepted, these alternate vectors are being actively researched.

• Some clinicians report patients with Lyme who never recall a tick bite but had heavy exposure to other insects.

📚 Piesman & Eisen, Vector-Borne Zoonotic Dis. 2008
📚 Fleas and Ticks as Vectors

🕸️ 3. Spiders and Other Arachnids

• Anecdotal and clinical reports suggest that spider bites may also transmit Borrelia or co-infections, although this is not yet confirmed by mainstream studies.

• Given the similarities in saliva components and feeding behaviors, this theory remains under investigation.

👩‍👧 4. Mother-to-Child (Vertical Transmission)

• Studies suggest that Lyme disease can be passed from an infected mother to her baby during pregnancy.

• This is similar to how syphilis — another spirochete infection — can cross the placenta and cause congenital disease.

📚 Schlesinger et al., JAMA (1985)
📚 LymeHope: Congenital Lyme Resources

💋 5. Saliva, Sexual Contact & Bodily Fluids

• Like syphilis, Lyme is a spirochete bacteria, which is spiral-shaped and capable of penetrating tissues.

• Because Borrelia is found in saliva, breast milk, urine, and possibly semen, some researchers and clinicians suggest that intimate contact may carry transmission risks — although this is still considered controversial in conventional medicine.

📚 Sapi et al., European Journal of Microbiology (2019)
📚 Hodzic et al., American Journal of Pathology (2008)

Bottom Line:
While the CDC currently recognizes ticks as the only proven vector for Lyme, there is growing scientific interest in other forms of transmission. Clinically, many patients with Lyme never recall a tick bite — highlighting the need for broader awareness.

If you are living with persistent symptoms, don't dismiss the possibility of Lyme based on how you think you “should” have gotten it.