Host specificity

Host specificity refers to the tendency of a parasite, pathogen, or organism to prefer and infect certain host species over others. It’s similar to how some plants or animals thrive best in specific environments. For example, some parasites can only infect one particular type of animal, while others might infect multiple species. This preference depends on factors like the organism’s ability to adapt to the host’s biology and immune defenses. Understanding host specificity helps in managing diseases and conserving ecosystems by identifying which hosts are vulnerable to particular organisms.