What is the difference between Reservoir and paratenic hosts

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SUMMARY

The discussion clarifies the distinctions between paratenic hosts and reservoir hosts in parasitology. A paratenic host is not essential for the parasite's development but can maintain its life cycle, while a reservoir host accumulates invasive larvae and facilitates transmission to definitive hosts without being obligatory for the parasite's ontogenesis. Confusion arises from varying definitions in literature, with some sources equating the two terms. The conversation highlights the need for authoritative references to resolve these discrepancies.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of parasitology terminology, specifically "paratenic host" and "reservoir host."
  • Familiarity with the life cycles of parasites and their transmission mechanisms.
  • Knowledge of key parasitology texts, such as "General Parasitology" by Cheng.
  • Awareness of the role of biological vectors in disease transmission.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the definitions and roles of paratenic and reservoir hosts in parasitology literature.
  • Study the life cycles of specific parasites that utilize multiple host species.
  • Examine the concept of biological vectors and their relationship with reservoir hosts.
  • Consult authoritative parasitology texts to clarify definitions and applications.
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Students, researchers, and professionals in parasitology, veterinary medicine, and epidemiology who seek to understand host-parasite interactions and clarify terminological distinctions.

Tyto alba
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Paratenic host

'In parasitology, the term paratenic describes a host that is not necessary for the development of a particular species of parasite, but nonetheless may happen to serve to maintain the life cycle of that parasite' until they are transferred to an obligatory host.

(from Wikipedia and Parasitology: A Conceptual Approach book)

Reservoir host

Reservoir hosts are such animals which accumulate in themselves the invasive larvae of the helminthes and contribute to their transfer to the definitive host, not being however an obligatory condition for the complition of parasite ontogenesis.

(from Proceedings of the First International Congress of Parasitology: Roma, 21-26 September 1964)

The source however says that Reservoir host is same as paratenic host which contradicts other sources (like General Parasitology by Cheng) which says:

Reservoir host is an animal that becomes infected and serve as a source from which other animals can be infected. (the only difference I presume is that it may or may not be obligatory)

In many other books (book 1 & 2) a parallel definition is mentioned that a reservoir host is a host that harbors parasite until their transmission to human beings.

This inturn brings forth another question, is a reservoir host a biological vector then?

So the question : Are paratenic host and reservoir host same or different?

P.S. I don't know what the standard books on parasitology are which could have solved this issue. Reference to one such book will be really appreciated.
 
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Based only on a little web reading...
I think the confusion may come partly from the fact that not all parasites/diseases require multiple host species for their life cycle. The term paratenic can only be used where it does require multiple species.
In general, a reservoir host may be sufficient in itself for the full life cycle, perhaps experiencing the disease subclinically. That is certainly true for viruses such as Lissa. Whether the term can be applied that way for two-host parasites I'm not sure.
.
Edit: found this, http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/reservoir+host
This clearly states that a reservoir host functions as an ultimate host as well as providing a source of infection to humans.
 

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