Glossary explainerWorldwide

What is a vector?

A vector is a living organism that can transmit an infectious agent between hosts. Some tick species are vectors of particular bacteria, viruses or parasites.

Reviewed by VuxLore® Knowledge Team For Everyone

Short answer

A vector is a living organism that can transmit an infectious agent between hosts. Some tick species are vectors of particular bacteria, viruses or parasites.

At a glance

Being a tick does not automatically make every species or individual a vector for every pathogen.

Key takeaways

• Vector competence is pathogen-specific.

• Distribution affects exposure.

• Vector presence alone does not measure disease incidence.

A biological carrier with a transmission role

For transmission to occur, the pathogen must interact successfully with the vector and reach a new host. This differs from an object that merely carries contamination mechanically.

Precision prevents exaggeration

A statement about a vector should name the tick species, pathogen and region whenever possible. Surveillance data and clinical disease data answer related but different questions.