definitive host (redirected from definitive hosts)

host (hōst)

1. an organism that harbors or nourishes another organism (the parasite).

2. the recipient of an organ or other tissue derived from another organism (the donor).

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accidental host  one that accidentally harbors an organism that is not ordinarily parasitic in the particular species.

definitive host , final host the organism in which a parasite passes its adult and sexual existence.

intermediate host  the organism in which a parasite passes its larval or nonsexual existence.

paratenic host  an animal acting as a substitute intermediate host of a parasite, usually having acquired the parasite by ingestion of the original host.

primary host  definitive h.

reservoir host  reservoir (3).

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de·fin·i·tive host (d-fn-tv)

n.

A host in which a parasite develops to an adult or sexually mature stage. Also called final host.

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definitive host,

any host organism in which a parasite reproduces sexually. The female Anopheles mosquito is the definitive host for malaria. Humans are definitive hosts for pinworms, schistosomes, and tapeworms. Also called primary host. Compare dead-end host, intermediate host, reservoir host. See also host.

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definitive host

the host in which the infectious agent in question undergoes the adult and sexual stage of its reproduction. Called also final host.