Parasitology

Define fomite

a non-living object or surface that can become contaminated with parasites or their infective stages and transmit them to a host

Define host

a living organism that harbors a parasite and provides it with nourishment, shelter, and a site for growth or reproduction

Define indirect transmission

the transfer of a parasite from one host to another through an intermediate agent rather than by direct contact

Define amplifying host

a host in which a parasite multiplies to high numbers, increasing the likelihood of transmission to another host

Define vector

A living organism that transmits a parasite from one host to another

Define intermediate host

A host in which a parasite undergoes larval development but does not reach sexual maturity

Define direct transmission

The transfer of a parasite from one host to another without the involvement of an intermediate host, vector, or fomite

Define dead-end host

A host in which a parasite can enter but cannot complete its life cycle or be transmitted further to other hosts

Define paratenic host

an organism that carries a parasite in a dormant, infective stage without allowing it to develop or reproduce