Insects responsible for transmitting diseases are called __________?

In biology and medical science, vectors are living organisms, often insects or arthropods, that transmit pathogens (such as viruses, bacteria, or parasites) from one host to another, causing diseases. These vectors act as carriers without necessarily suffering from the disease themselves. The most common vectors include mosquitoes, flies, fleas, lice, and ticks.

For example, the female Anopheles mosquito is a well-known vector of malaria, transmitting Plasmodium parasites from infected individuals to healthy ones. Similarly, Aedes mosquitoes spread viral diseases such as dengue, Zika, chikungunya, and yellow fever. Houseflies can transfer bacteria causing typhoid and cholera by contaminating food with pathogens they pick up from decaying matter.

Vectors can transmit diseases in two main ways:

1. 
   

   Mechanical transmission – The pathogen is carried externally on the insect’s body. For instance, houseflies carry germs on their legs and mouthparts.

   
   


2. 
   

   Biological transmission – The pathogen develops or multiplies inside the vector before being transmitted, such as the malaria parasite inside a mosquito.

   
   

Analyzing the options:

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  A) Drones – These are male bees, not disease carriers.

  
  


• 
  

  B) Vectors – ✅ Correct. Organisms like mosquitoes that transmit disease-causing agents.

  
  


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  C) Hybrids – These are offspring of two different species or varieties, not disease carriers.

  
  


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  D) None of these – Incorrect, since “vectors” is the correct term.

  
  

Understanding vectors is crucial for public health and epidemiology, as controlling vector populations directly reduces the spread of many infectious diseases. Measures such as insecticide-treated nets, environmental sanitation, and vaccination programs help minimize vector-borne diseases worldwide.

✅ Correct Answer: B) Vectors