Pathogen reservoir
A pathogen reservoir is an ecological niche in which pathogens collect, multiply and from which a renewed infection can start. Depending on the pathogen, the natural pathogen reservoir includes humans, animals ( reservoir host ; analogous for plants) or biotopes.
Human pathogen reservoir
Diseased, asymptomatically infected and healing people are a reservoir of pathogens. There are also asymptomatic colonizations, e.g. B. the nasopharynx , with virulent pathogens, without the affected person becoming ill. Permanent eliminators , e.g. B. Salmonella , represent a longer-lasting reservoir for the pathogen and can be the source of infection for larger outbreaks of disease (e.g. in canteen kitchens).
Pathogen reservoir animal
Animals can be a natural reservoir for so-called anthropozoonoses .
Pathogen reservoir biotope
There are also pathogens that do not depend on humans or animals as a reservoir, such as B. the causative agent of Legionnaires' disease , the preferred reservoir of which is sanitary and air conditioning systems.
