Animate or inanimate sources which normally harbor disease-causing organisms and thus serve as potential sources of disease outbreaks. Reservoirs are distinguished from vectors (DISEASE VECTORS) and carriers, which are agents of disease transmission rather than continuing sources of potential disease outbreaks. Humans may serve both as disease reservoirs and carriers.

Annotation

differentiate from DISEASE VECTORS: reservoirs can be animate or inanimate (like swamps, housedust, etc.)

DUI

D004197 MeSH Browser

CUI

M0006568

History note

67(65)

Public note

67