Vertical transmission

Pronunciation
/VER-ti-kal trans-mis-sion/
Category
Behavior
Singular
Vertical transmission
Plural
Vertical transmissions

Definition

The transmission of a pathogen between members of an arthropod species by movement from parent to progeny (transovarial or transovum transmission) or between instars within a generation (transstadial transmission). It is usually contrasted with horizontal transmission, in which a pathogen is passed among members of a species within the same generation or within the same season.

Etymology

From Latin 'verticalis', meaning 'perpendicular', and 'transmissio', meaning 'transfer'.

Example

Vertical transmission of a virus can occur when infected eggs are laid, leading to offspring inheriting the pathogen.

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