Source of Reservoir

Source of Reservoir

Definition

Infectious agent: An organism that is capable of producing infection or infectious disease.

A reservoir is defined as " living or nonliving material in or on which an infectious agent multiplies or develops and is dependent for its survival in nature.

1.  Human Reservoir

a. Cases - There are a number of important pathogens that are specifically adapted to  man,  such  as:  measles,  smallpox, typhoid,      meningococcal      meningitis, gonorrhea and syphilis. The cycle of transmission is from human to human.

b. Carriers - is a person who has become infected with a pathogen, but does not show any signs or symptoms.

2.  Animal Reservoir - the source of infection may sometimes be animals and birds.

3.  Nonliving things - soil and inanimate matter can also act as reservoir of infection. eg. Tetanus in soil.