Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
parasite burden
noun
/ˈpærəˌsaɪt ˈbɜrdən/
Definition
The number or weight of parasites that an organism carries.
Examples
- The parasite burden in elephants in the region has increased due to habitat changes.
- High levels of parasite burden can lead to decreased fertility in livestock.
- Researchers are studying the impact of parasite burden on human health in tropical regions.
Meaning
Parasite burden refers to how many parasites inhabit a host organism, potentially affecting its health and functioning.
Synonyms
- parasite load
- infectious load
- parasite infestation
