Mechanical Transmission
- Pronunciation
- /mek-an-i-kal trans-mish-un/
- Category
- Behavior
Definition
The transfer of a pathogen from an infected insect vector to a host through physical contact, such as biting or scratching.
Etymology
From the Latin words 'mechanicus' meaning 'relating to mechanics', and 'transmissio' meaning 'the act of passing something on'.
Example
Mechanical transmission of diseases, such as those caused by bacteria, can occur when an infected insect vector bites a host and injects saliva containing the pathogen.