An insect that ingests blood from an infected source and transmits it to a human is a ______?

Study for the Cengage Microbiology Test with helpful multiple choice questions and detailed explanations. Ace your exam with confidence!

The main concept is vector-borne transmission: a vector is an organism that transmits pathogens from an infected source to a susceptible host. An insect that takes a blood meal from an infected source and then feeds on a human fits this role because the pathogen is carried by the insect and delivered to the next host. The insect acts as the bridge that moves the pathogen between hosts, which is the hallmark of a biological vector when the pathogen multiplies or persists in the vector. This differs from a host (the organism that harbors the pathogen), a reservoir (the long-term source or environment where the pathogen persists), or a carrier (an individual who harbors and can spread the pathogen, without the vector-mediated transfer).