What is typically the source of infection often from non-human animals?

The source of infection that often comes from non-human animals is known as a reservoir. A reservoir is a living or non-living entity that harbors a pathogen and provides a sufficient environment for it to survive, reproduce, and potentially be transmitted to humans or other animals. In many cases, non-human animals serve as reservoirs for zoonotic diseases—diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans. This concept is crucial in understanding the dynamics of infection and disease transmission in public health.

Pathogens refer to the actual microorganisms (such as bacteria, viruses, or parasites) that cause diseases, while hosts are organisms that can carry the pathogen. Vectors are typically organisms, often arthropods, that transmit pathogens from one host to another but are not the primary source of the pathogen themselves. Thus, describing the reservoir as the source of infection highlights the role of non-human animals in the transmission chain of certain infectious diseases.