High School

When a pathogen is transferred from a water source to an animal before being transferred to a human, the animal is called a(n) ________ agent.

A. Vector
B. Intermediate
C. Zoonotic
D. Reservoir

Answer :

Final answer:

A vector is an animal that carries a pathogen from one host, such as a water source, to another, such as a human, without being infected itself. This differs from a zoonotic agent, where the animal is also infected. Reservoir refers to any source of the pathogen, including humans, animals, water, or objects.

Explanation:

When a pathogen is transferred from a water source to an animal before being transferred to a human, the animal is called a vector agent. Vector transmission occurs when an animal carrier, typically an arthropod, transfers a pathogen from one host to another without being infected itself. This animal acts as an intermediary in the cycle of infection.

An example could be a fly that transfers bacteria from fecal matter to food which is then consumed by a human, causing illness. Another example would be mosquitos transmitting diseases such as yellow fever from animals to humans. However, it's crucial to distinguish this from zoonotic diseases, where the animals themselves are infected with the disease and then transfer it to humans, such as rabies.

On the other hand, reservoirs are sources of the pathogen that may include human and animal populations, as well as soil, water, and inanimate objects. Diseases can also be indirectly transmitted through fomites, or objects and materials that are likely to carry infection.

Learn more about Vector transmission here:

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