DEFINITIVE HOST Meaning and
Definition
-
A definitive host refers to a specific organism in the lifecycle of a parasite in which the parasite reaches sexual maturity and reproduces. In this context, the definitive host serves as the final destination or primary habitat for the parasite. The term is commonly used in the field of parasitology and is of utmost importance to understanding the complete life cycle and transmission patterns of various parasites.
The definitive host plays a critical role in the life cycle of parasites, providing a suitable environment for their sexual reproduction and ensuring the continuation of the species. Once the parasite reaches the definitive host, it can fully develop, grow, and reproduce, subsequently releasing offspring or eggs into the environment, ready for transmission to other organisms.
The identity of the definitive host varies depending on the specific parasite in question. For example, in the case of the human malaria parasite, the definitive host is the female Anopheles mosquito, as it is in this organism that the sexual stage of reproduction occurs, leading to the release of infective forms (sporozoites) into the mosquito's saliva, ready for transmission to humans during a blood meal.
Understanding the definitive host is crucial for developing effective control strategies against parasites. Identifying and targeting the definitive host can help interrupt the transmission cycle and reduce the prevalence and impact of parasitic infections on both human and animal populations.
-
The vertebrate host of a hematozoic protozoan, in which the non-sexual cycle occurs; primary h.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for DEFINITIVE HOST
- sefinitive host
- xefinitive host
- cefinitive host
- fefinitive host
- refinitive host
- eefinitive host
- dwfinitive host
- dsfinitive host
- ddfinitive host
- drfinitive host
- d4finitive host
- d3finitive host
- dedinitive host
- decinitive host
- devinitive host
- deginitive host
- detinitive host
- derinitive host
- defunitive host
Etymology of DEFINITIVE HOST
The word "definitive" comes from the Latin word "definitivus", which means "defining" or "determining". The word "host" is derived from the Old French word "hoste", which initially referred to a guest or a stranger, but later evolved to also mean a person or animal that harbors and provides nourishment for another organism. When combined, the term "definitive host" refers to the organism in which a parasite reaches its mature or reproductive stage, providing the final and most suitable environment for its lifecycle.
Similar spelling words for DEFINITIVE HOST
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
