Secondary vector

Pronunciation
/sek-ondary vehk-tor/
Category
Entomology
Singular
Secondary vector
Plural
Secondary vectors

Definition

An organism, typically an arthropod like a mosquito or tick, that transmits a pathogen to a human or other animal, but is not the primary or most efficient vector. Secondary vectors can still play a significant role in the ecology and epidemiology of certain diseases.

Etymology

From Latin 'secundus', meaning 'second', and 'vector', meaning 'carrier'.

Example

In the transmission of Lyme disease, Ixodes pacificus acts as a secondary vector in some regions, while Ixodes scapularis is considered the primary vector.

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