Dr. Willy Burgdorfer

Dr. Willy Burgdorfer was a Swiss-American scientist best known for his discovery of the bacterium *Borrelia burgdorferi*, which causes Lyme disease. His research in the 1970s helped identify how the disease is transmitted to humans through tick bites, primarily from the deer tick. Burgdorfer's work significantly advanced our understanding of tick-borne diseases and their impact on public health. His contributions have played a crucial role in developing diagnostic methods and treatments for Lyme disease, making him an important figure in the fields of microbiology and epidemiology.