What is the term for an animate object that can transmit infection?

The correct term for an animate object that can transmit infection is "vector." Vectors are typically living organisms, such as insects, birds, or other animals, that can carry pathogens from one host to another. For instance, mosquitoes are a well-known vector for transmitting diseases like malaria and dengue fever.

Understanding the role of vectors in the transmission of infectious diseases is crucial for implementing effective prevention and control measures, such as vector control programs, vaccination, and public health education. Identifying these carriers allows healthcare professionals to track and manage outbreaks effectively.

In contrast, a fomite refers to an inanimate object that can carry and transmit infectious agents, such as doorknobs, utensils, or medical equipment. Reservoirs are organisms or environments where pathogens survive and multiply, which may not necessarily be animate. Lastly, a pathogen is any microorganism that causes disease, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites, but it does not specify the means of transmission. Each of these terms plays a distinct role in understanding infection transmission, but "vector" is specifically about living carriers.