Lyme is an infectious disease, it is zoonotic. The causative agent is a type of spirochete bacterium known as Borrelia burgdorferi. It is not a parasite. It is transmitted to humans by ticks that carry the bacteria and are infected with the bacteria. Lyme disease is also known as erythema migrans. By affecting the skin, it causes migratory rashes (erythemas) and eruptions, and by affecting the joints, it particularly causes joint pain (arthralgia) in the knee joint.

Lyme diagnosis is confirmed through laboratory tests. Bacteria can be cultured, which is the most definitive diagnostic method. Additionally, the presence of specific antibodies developed against the bacteria is investigated using serological tests such as ELISA, IFA, and Western Blot methods. Various antibiotics are given in the treatment. In cases of Lyme disease with brain involvement, some behavioral problems similar to those seen in autism are observed in neuroborreliosis cases. This situation does not mean that there is a relationship between Lyme disease and autism. This condition is characterized by central nervous system findings specific to neuroborreliosis. In some infectious diseases, for example, in the clinical course of Borna Disease Virus (BDV), which is an RNA virus, behavioral problems similar to those seen in autism can be observed, and this condition is also a clinical finding specific to BDV. There is no relationship between either of the two infectious diseases and autism.

Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition. It is not an infectious disease.