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Alternate Host
Alternate Host An alternate host is one of two (or more) hosts that a parasite requires to complete its life cycle. The parasite alternates between hosts to reach different developmental stages. A common example is schistosomes, which alternate between snails (intermediate host) and humans (definitive host). Each host supports specific developmental steps that cannot occur ... Read more
Accidental Host
Accidental Host An accidental host is a host in which a parasite is not commonly found, but the host is still suitable for parasite development. The parasite may progress through expected stages, even though the host is not part of the typical life cycle. In some cases, the accidental host becomes a dead-end host because ... Read more
Abnormal Host
Abnormal Host An abnormal host is a broad term for a host that is not the parasite’s usual (typical) host. In parasitology, this generally includes two more precise categories: accidental hosts and aberrant hosts. Because “abnormal host” doesn’t specify whether the parasite can develop successfully, many references recommend using accidental or aberrant instead for clarity. ... Read more
Aberrant Host
An aberrant host is a host in which a parasite is unable to complete its normal development or the appropriate phase of its life cycle. Although infection may occur and partial development may take place, the parasite ultimately reaches a biological dead end. In aberrant hosts, the parasite is often found in atypical tissues or ... Read more
Frequently Asked Questions
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