Vectors
Vectors (medicine)
Vectors (pronunciation: /ˈvɛktər/) in the field of medicine are organisms that transmit pathogens from one host to another. The term is derived from the Latin vector, meaning "carrier".
Etymology
The term vector comes from the Latin vector, which means "carrier". In the context of medicine, it refers to an organism, typically a biting insect or tick, that transmits a disease or parasite from one animal or plant to another.
Types of Vectors
There are several types of vectors in medicine, including but not limited to:
- Mosquitoes: These are perhaps the most well-known vectors, responsible for the transmission of diseases like malaria, dengue fever, and Zika virus.
- Ticks: Ticks can transmit a number of diseases, including Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
- Fleas: Fleas are vectors for diseases such as plague and typhus.
Vector Control
Vector control is a significant aspect of public health. It involves measures taken to interrupt or reduce the transmission of disease by its vectors. This can include everything from insecticide use to habitat modification.
Related Terms
- Pathogen: A bacterium, virus, or other microorganism that can cause disease.
- Host (biology): An organism that harbors a parasitic, a mutualistic, or a commensalist guest (symbiont), typically providing nourishment and shelter.
- Disease transmission: The passing of a disease from an infected host individual or group to a particular individual or group, regardless of whether the other individual was previously infected.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Vectors
- Wikipedia's article - Vectors
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