Definitive host

Definitive host is a term used in the field of parasitology to refer to an organism that harbors the adult, sexual, or mature form of a parasite. The definitive host is typically the target of the parasite's reproductive process, and it is in this host that the parasite reaches its mature form.

Overview

In the life cycle of parasites, there are often multiple hosts involved. The definitive host is the final host in this cycle, and it is in this host that the parasite reaches its mature form and reproduces. The definitive host is often a vertebrate, such as a human, but can also be an invertebrate.

Role in Parasite Life Cycle

The definitive host plays a crucial role in the life cycle of a parasite. The parasite uses the host's body to grow, develop, and reproduce. The definitive host is often infected by consuming the intermediate host, which contains the immature form of the parasite.

Examples

Examples of definitive hosts include humans for the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum, and cats for the toxoplasmosis parasite Toxoplasma gondii.

See Also

• Intermediate host
• Parasitology
• Parasite life cycle

References

Definitive host Resources
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