Intermediate host
Intermediate host
Intermediate host (/ɪn.təˈmiː.di.ət hoʊst/), in the field of parasitology, refers to an organism that harbors the sexually immature form of a parasite. In the life cycle of many parasites, the intermediate host is essential for the completion of the cycle. The parasite undergoes development but does not reach sexual maturity in the intermediate host.
Etymology
The term "intermediate host" is derived from the Latin words "inter" meaning "between" and "medius" meaning "middle". The term "host" comes from the Old French "hoste" meaning "guest" or "host". Thus, an intermediate host is an organism that temporarily harbors a parasite.
Related Terms
- Definitive host: The organism in which a parasite reaches sexual maturity.
- Paratenic host: A host that helps to maintain the life cycle of a parasite, but in which no development of the parasite occurs.
- Reservoir host: A host that harbors a pathogen but suffers no ill effects, serving as a source of infection for new hosts.
- Vector: An organism that does not cause disease itself but spreads infection by conveying pathogens from one host to another.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Intermediate host
- Wikipedia's article - Intermediate host
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