host specificity
[/hoʊst spəˈsɪfɪsɪti/]
noun
especificidade do hospedeiro
1. The phenomenon in which a parasite, pathogen, or symbiotic organism shows a preference for or can only infect/colonize a particular host species or a limited range of host species
The malaria parasite demonstrates high host specificity, as different Plasmodium species infect different animal hosts.
O parasita da malária demonstra alta especificidade do hospedeiro, pois diferentes espécies de Plasmodium infectam diferentes hospedeiros animais.
2. The selective adaptation of pathogens or parasites to particular host organisms based on biological compatibility and evolutionary coevolution
Host specificity is crucial in understanding why certain diseases only affect specific animal species.
A especificidade do hospedeiro é crucial para compreender por que certas doenças afetam apenas espécies animais específicas.
This is a technical term primarily used in scientific and medical contexts in both Brazil and the USA. It is essential in epidemiology, parasitology, and infectious disease research. The concept is taught in universities and research institutions globally and maintains consistent terminology across Portuguese and English-speaking countries.
Look up more words on Fala2Me
The free English-Portuguese dictionary with real Brazilian accents, NYC slang, conjugator and more
Open Fala2Me →