orthozoonosis
Quick Summary
The term "orthozoonosis" refers to a type of zoonotic disease that is transmitted directly from animals to humans and is maintained within a single vertebrate host species. A prime example of an orthozoonosis is rabies, which is primarily maintained by canids.1
Zoonotic diseases, in general, are infections or illnesses that can be transmitted from animals to humans under natural circumstances. These diseases can be caused by various agents, including bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi. Public health veterinarians play a crucial role in monitoring, preventing, and controlling zoonotic diseases, often working in multidisciplinary teams with a unified approach to medicine for both humans and animals.21
Pathology, the medical specialty concerned with determining the causes of disease and the resulting structural and functional changes, is fundamental to understanding these conditions. Pathologists examine laboratory specimens and conduct autopsies to gain insights into disease processes.3
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