PARASITES, VECTORS AND PESTS

CONTENT

1. Definition of parasite, vector and pes
2. Types of Parasites
3. General Characteristics of Parasites

Meaning of Parasite

A parasite is an organism which lives on or inside the body of another organism called the host in order to derive all its nourishment such as food, shelter and protection. The parasite does not provide any benefit but causes damage or harm to the host in return. The host usually belongs to different species is often bigger and stronger than the parasite. Sometimes the relationship with the parasite causes the death of the host or reduces its productivity.

The relationship between the parasite and the host is known as Parasitism. Based on this relationship, a parasite may be temporary, living for a short period in or on the host or permanent, living their entire lives in the host e.g. endo-parasites

Definition of Vector

These are organisms that carry disease agent s through their feeding habit on the host , that is, they themselves do not cause diseases but by the disease agents they transmit.