living carrier responsible for transporting a parasite from an infected host to a non infected host
The living carrier that is responsible for transporting a parasite from an infected host to a non-infected host is known as a vector
The living carrier that is responsible for transporting a parasite from an infected host to a non-infected host is known as a vector. A vector is an organism, usually an arthropod such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, or flies, that carries and transmits infectious pathogens, including parasites.
When an infected host (the organism that harbors the parasite) comes into contact with a vector, the vector can acquire the parasite from the host. The parasite then undergoes development or replication within the vector’s body. Subsequently, when the vector feeds on a non-infected host, it can transfer the parasite to the new host, thus facilitating infection.
This transfer mechanism is common in various diseases caused by parasites. For example, malaria is caused by the Plasmodium parasite, which is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. The mosquitoes act as the vector, transmitting the parasite from an infected human to a non-infected human during blood meals.
Another example is the transmission of the parasite that causes Chagas disease. In this case, the parasite, Trypanosoma cruzi, is transmitted by triatomine bugs (commonly known as “kissing bugs”). The bugs become infected when they feed on the blood of an infected human or animal. The parasite multiplies within the bug, and when the bug subsequently feeds on another individual, it can transmit the parasite through its feces, which contaminate the bite site.
Vectors play a crucial role in the transmission of many parasitic diseases. Understanding the life cycle of these parasites and the roles of vectors is essential for developing strategies to prevent and control the spread of these diseases.
More Answers:
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