Definitive Host vs. Intermediate Host: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sawaira Riaz || By Sumera Saeed || Updated on October 29, 2023
Definitive host harbors the adult form of a parasite, while intermediate host harbors the larval or juvenile form.
Key Differences
A definitive host is an organism that harbors the adult, sexually mature form of a parasite. Intermediate hosts, on the other hand, harbor the larval or juvenile stages of a parasite. The parasite completes its life cycle by transferring between these two types of hosts.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 29, 2023
The definitive host is essential for the parasite's reproduction, as it is in this host that the parasite reaches maturity and reproduces. The intermediate host is necessary for the parasite's development, as it provides the environment in which the parasite grows and prepares to infect the definitive host.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 29, 2023
In some cases, a parasite may have multiple intermediate hosts, each responsible for a different stage of the parasite's development. However, there is typically only one definitive host, in which the parasite reaches its final form.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 29, 2023
The relationship between the definitive host and the parasite is often more complex than the relationship between the intermediate host and the parasite, as the definitive host's immune system plays a significant role in the parasite's survival and reproduction.
Harlon Moss
Oct 29, 2023
Understanding the roles of the definitive and intermediate hosts is essential for controlling parasitic infections, as interventions can be targeted at either host to break the parasite's life cycle and prevent its spread.
Sara Rehman
Oct 29, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Complex relationship with host
Relationship complexity
Simpler relationship with host
Janet White
Oct 29, 2023
Role in controlling infections
Importance in preventing spread of parasite
Role in preventing spread of parasite
Sara Rehman
Oct 29, 2023
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Definitive Host and Intermediate Host Definitions
Definitive Host
There is typically one definitive host per parasite.
The definitive host for malaria is the human.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 29, 2023
Intermediate Host
An intermediate host is an organism that harbors the larval or juvenile stages of a parasite.
The mosquito is an intermediate host for the malaria parasite.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 29, 2023
Definitive Host
The relationship between the definitive host and the parasite is often complex.
The definitive host's immune system plays a significant role in the parasite's survival.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 29, 2023
Intermediate Host
A parasite may have multiple intermediate hosts.
The parasite can utilize different hosts for different stages of its development.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 29, 2023
Definitive Host
The definitive host plays a role in controlling parasitic infections.
Interventions can be targeted at the definitive host to prevent the spread of the parasite.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 29, 2023
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Intermediate Host
The relationship between the intermediate host and the parasite is often simpler than with the definitive host.
The intermediate host provides the environment necessary for the parasite's growth.
Janet White
Oct 29, 2023
Definitive Host
Definitive host is essential for the parasite's reproduction.
In the definitive host, the parasite reproduces to complete its life cycle.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 29, 2023
Intermediate Host
The intermediate host is necessary for the parasite's development.
In the intermediate host, the parasite grows and prepares to infect the definitive host.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 29, 2023
Intermediate Host
The intermediate host plays a role in preventing the spread of parasitic infections.
Interventions can be targeted at the intermediate host to break the parasite's life cycle.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 29, 2023
FAQs
What is an intermediate host?
An intermediate host is an organism that harbors the larval or juvenile stages of a parasite.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 29, 2023
How many definitive hosts does a parasite typically have?
Typically, a parasite has one definitive host.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 29, 2023
What is a definitive host?
A definitive host is an organism that harbors the adult, sexually mature form of a parasite.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 29, 2023
Why is the definitive host essential for a parasite?
The definitive host is essential for the parasite's reproduction.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 29, 2023
Why is the intermediate host necessary for a parasite?
The intermediate host is necessary for the parasite's development.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 29, 2023
What is the relationship between the intermediate host and the parasite?
The relationship between the intermediate host and the parasite is often simpler, with the host providing the necessary environment for the parasite's growth.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 29, 2023
What is the relationship between the definitive host and the parasite?
The relationship between the definitive host and the parasite is often complex, with the host's immune system playing a significant role in the parasite's survival and reproduction.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 29, 2023
Can a parasite have multiple intermediate hosts?
Yes, a parasite can have multiple intermediate hosts.
Sara Rehman
Oct 29, 2023
What role does the definitive host play in controlling infections?
The definitive host plays a role in controlling infections by providing a target for interventions to prevent the spread of the parasite.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 29, 2023
What role does the intermediate host play in preventing the spread of infections?
The intermediate host plays a role in preventing the spread of infections by providing a target for interventions to break the parasite's life cycle.
Harlon Moss
Oct 29, 2023
What is the difference between a definitive host and a reservoir host?
A definitive host harbors the adult form of a parasite, while a reservoir host harbors a parasite that can be transmitted to humans or other animals.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 29, 2023
What is the difference between an intermediate host and a paratenic host?
An intermediate host harbors the larval or juvenile stages of a parasite, while a paratenic host harbors a parasite that does not undergo development within the host.
Harlon Moss
Oct 29, 2023
How can the relationship between a definitive host and a parasite be studied?
The relationship between a definitive host and a parasite can be studied through laboratory experiments, field studies, and epidemiological research.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 29, 2023
How can the relationship between an intermediate host and a parasite be studied?
The relationship between an intermediate host and a parasite can be studied through laboratory experiments, field studies, and epidemiological research.
Sara Rehman
Oct 29, 2023
Can a human be an intermediate host?
Yes, a human can be an intermediate host for certain parasites, such as the malaria parasite.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 29, 2023
What are some examples of intermediate hosts?
Examples of intermediate hosts include mosquitoes, snails, and ticks.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 29, 2023
Can a human be a definitive host?
Yes, a human can be a definitive host for certain parasites, such as the tapeworm.
Janet White
Oct 29, 2023
Can an intermediate host also be a definitive host?
In some cases, an intermediate host can also serve as a definitive host, depending on the parasite's life cycle.
Harlon Moss
Oct 29, 2023
What are some examples of definitive hosts?
Examples of definitive hosts include humans, cats, and dogs.
Harlon Moss
Oct 29, 2023
Can a definitive host also be an intermediate host?
In some cases, a definitive host can also serve as an intermediate host, depending on the parasite's life cycle.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 29, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
Edited by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
