Vector-Borne Parasites

A vector is any organism that carries and spreads a disease-causing microbe to another living thing in biology, and more precisely, ecology (pathogen). Diseases that affect people, animals, or plants are classified as vector-borne diseases since biological vectors are the source of those illnesses. The most common ways that biological vectors spread infections to new hosts are via biting or stinging victims. Biological vectors may spread pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, protozoa, and parasitic worms. Since many vector-borne illnesses may spread from animals to people, they are sometimes referred to as zoonotic diseases.