Question

What of the following statements is correct?

• A. A definitive host is the carrier of the parasite while the reservoir host helps in its reproduction
• B. Parasite feeds and multiplies in the definitive host and remains dormant in the reservoir host
• C. Parasite causes symptoms in the definitive host but does not damage the reservoir host
• D. Both the definitive and reservoir host are required for completion of the life cycle of the parasite

Answer 1

Answer: (B), (C), (D)

The correct options are
B Parasite feeds and multiplies in the definitive host and remains dormant in the reservoir host
C Parasite causes symptoms in the definitive host but does not damage the reservoir host
D Both the definitive and reservoir host are required for completion of the life cycle of the parasite

The definitive host is the one in which a parasitic organism multiplies and causes infection leading to symptoms of the disease. The reservoir host harbours the pathogen in a dormant state. It is a carrier for the pathogen.