A living host or nonliving site in which pathogens can survive and reproduce. May or may not be capable of transmitting the pathogen. Pathogens can lay dormant (survive but not reproduce) in reservoirs. Pathogens can also have more than one living reservoir, and different types of reservoirs may transmit to another reservoir (i.e. animals to humans).

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Features of disease transmission include:
- Reservoirs
- Carriers
- Hosts
- Quarantine
- Nosocomial Infections

Features of Disease Transmission

OpenStax Concepts of Biology provides the necessary breadth and depth for core Biology concepts.

Link: https://openstax.org/details/books/concepts-biology/

OpenStax Biology 2nd Edition

https://openstax.org/details/books/microbiology/

Microbiology covers the scope and sequence requirements for a single-semester microbiology course for non-majors. The book presents the core concepts of microbiology with a focus on applications for careers in allied health. The pedagogical features of the text make the material interesting and accessible while maintaining the career-application focus and scientific rigor inherent in the subject matter. Microbiology’s art program enhances students’ understanding of concepts through clear and effective illustrations, diagrams, and photographs.

Microbiology is produced through a collaborative publishing agreement between OpenStax and the American Society for Microbiology Press. The book aligns with the curriculum guidelines of the American Society for Microbiology.

OpenStax Microbiology Textbook

Reservoir

A reservoir (i.e. a human) capable of pathogen transmission without itself displaying symptoms

Carrier

An organism inhabited by another organism, i.e. a disease-causing agent

Host

Imposed isolation to prevent disease transmission

Quarantine

Also known as healthcare-associated infections (HAI), are infections that occurs in healthcare settings. Sick patients can bring harmful pathogens into hospitals, and some of these pathogens can be transmitted easily via improperly sterilized medical equipment, door handles, or by clinicians who do not wash their hands between patients. Hospital patients often have weakened immune systems, making them more susceptible to infections. Infections are classified as HAI when the patient was admitted for another reason (primary disease) than the infection, and then, often, contracts the secondary infection after having compromised immunity (such as due to surgery).

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