How long does it take to get infected with Lyme?

Doctors will tell you not to worry if a tick hasn't been on your body for 24-36 hours. This is not true, according to many researchers. Here are two sources on the subject:

Medical Microbiology. 4th edition.

Chapter 35: Leptospira

Russell C. Johnson

"....less than 1 minute may be required for transmission"

This reference (below) accords with Dr. Burgdorfer's (for whom the Lyme bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi is named) statement, that the bacteria populate "all" tissues of the infected tick. 

". . . all tissues of the tick are invaded, resulting in transovarial transmission and the presence of borreliae in salivary and coxal (basal segment of appendage) secretions. These spirochetes in the salivary and coxal secretions enter the host through the bite wound while the tick is feeding (less than 1 minute may be required for transmission). ..."

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"Such reference serves to vitiate: indeed impeach, argument(s) asserting a minimum 24 - 36 hour attachment time for acquiring infection. "

A. Lautin MD