When does a tick transmit borreliosis? - briefly
Transmission of Lyme disease by Ixodes ticks generally requires the tick to remain attached for a minimum of 24–48 hours, allowing spirochetes to migrate to the salivary glands. The risk of infection rises sharply after approximately 36 hours of continuous feeding.
When does a tick transmit borreliosis? - in detail
The bacterium that causes Lyme disease resides in the mid‑gut of unfed ticks. During the blood meal the pathogen moves toward the salivary glands and enters the host through saliva. Transmission requires a minimum feeding duration because the migration process takes time.
- Attachment of less than 24 hours rarely results in infection; the spirochete has not yet reached the salivary glands.
- After approximately 36 hours of continuous feeding, the bacteria are typically present in the saliva and can be inoculated.
- Most successful transmissions occur between 48 and 72 hours of attachment, especially in nymphal and adult stages that carry higher pathogen loads.
Factors influencing the exact timing include:
- Species of tick (Ixodes scapularis, I. ricinus, etc.).
- Ambient temperature; warmer conditions accelerate feeding and bacterial migration.
- Host immune response; a robust response may limit pathogen establishment even after the bacteria are introduced.
Consequently, removal of a tick within the first 24 hours markedly reduces the risk of acquiring Lyme disease, whereas removal after the 36‑hour threshold carries a substantially higher probability of transmission.