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Reservoirs of Infection definitions

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  • Reservoir
    Natural habitat where a pathogen persists, allowing it to live, grow, and multiply over time.
  • Pathogen
    Microorganism capable of causing disease, often persisting in specific habitats before infecting hosts.
  • Human Reservoir
    Person or group in which a pathogen lives and multiplies, serving as a source of infection for others.
  • Active Carrier
    Infected individual who sheds pathogens, potentially with or without showing any signs or symptoms.
  • Asymptomatic Carrier
    Infected person who transmits pathogens to others while showing no signs or symptoms themselves.
  • Passive Carrier
    Uninfected individual who mechanically transfers pathogens, often via contaminated hands or clothing.
  • Nonhuman Reservoir
    Animal, plant, or environmental source that supports long-term survival and multiplication of pathogens.
  • Environmental Reservoir
    Nonliving habitat such as soil or water where pathogens can persist and serve as sources of infection.
  • Zoonosis
    Disease primarily existing in animals but capable of being transmitted to humans, directly or indirectly.
  • Lyme Disease
    Tick-borne infection caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, often presenting with a bullseye rash and multisystem effects.
  • Borrelia burgdorferi
    Spirochete bacterium with a corkscrew shape, responsible for causing Lyme disease in humans.
  • Spirochete
    Bacterium characterized by a spiral or corkscrew shape, aiding in movement through viscous environments.
  • Carrier
    Organism capable of transmitting pathogens to others, with or without displaying disease symptoms.
  • Transmission
    Process by which pathogens move from a reservoir or carrier to a susceptible host, initiating infection.
  • Zoonotic Disease
    Infection originating in animals that can be transferred to humans, often involving complex transmission cycles.