zoonosis
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: - An infectious disease that can be transmitted from animals to humans under natural conditions. This term refers specifically to a pathogen (like a bacterium, virus, parasite, or prion) that can cross the species barrier from a non-human animal host to a human.
Usage
- The term is used in medical, veterinary, and public health contexts to classify and discuss diseases that originate in animal populations but pose a risk to human health.
- It is a technical, uncountable noun when referring to the general concept, but can be countable when referring to specific types (e.g., "several zoonoses").
Examples
- Rabies is a classic example of a zoonosis.
- Public health officials monitor for emerging zoonoses.
- The study of disease transmission between animals and humans is called zoonotic disease research.
Advanced Usage
- As a field of study: The adjective form "zoonotic" is more commonly used to describe these diseases or their transmission pathways.
- Scientists are concerned about the zoonotic potential of the new virus strain.
- In epidemiology: The term is central to the "One Health" concept, which recognizes the interconnection between human, animal, and environmental health.
Variants and Related Words
- Zoonotic (adjective): Relating to or denoting a zoonosis.
- Zoonotic transmission occurs through direct contact or contaminated food.
- Zoonoses (noun, plural): The standard plural form of "zoonosis."
- Anthroponosis (noun): An infectious disease that can be transmitted from humans to animals (the reverse of a zoonosis).
Synonyms
- Animal-borne disease
- Zoonotic disease
- Zooanthroponosis (a more technical synonym)
Antonyms
- Anthroponosis (a disease transmissible from humans to animals)
- Human-specific disease
Related Phrases and Concepts
- Spillover event: The specific incident where a pathogen jumps from an animal population into humans, potentially causing a zoonosis.
- Reverse zoonosis: Another term for anthroponosis; human-to-animal disease transmission.
- Vector-borne disease: A disease transmitted by an intermediate carrier (like a mosquito or tick), which may or may not also be a zoonosis.
Noun
- an animal disease that can be transmitted to humans