What is meant by a vector in the context of disease transmission?

In the context of disease transmission, a vector refers to an organism that carries and transmits pathogens from one host to another. Vectors are often crucial in the lifecycle of various pathogens, as they can facilitate the spread of diseases without being affected by the pathogen themselves. Common examples of vectors include mosquitoes that transmit malaria and ticks that spread Lyme disease. By moving pathogens between hosts, vectors play a significant role in the epidemiology of infectious diseases, influencing how outbreaks occur and how widespread they become. Understanding vectors is essential for developing effective strategies for disease control and prevention.