What term describes an organism that can carry and transmit pathogens to other hosts?

The term "vector" specifically refers to an organism that can carry and transmit pathogens to other hosts. Vectors are often insects or other arthropods, like mosquitoes or ticks, that can harbor pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, or parasites and facilitate their spread to other organisms, including humans and animals.

In the context of disease transmission, understanding the role of vectors is crucial, as controlling or managing these organisms can significantly impact public health and disease control efforts. For example, efforts to reduce mosquito populations can lead to decreased incidence of diseases such as West Nile virus or Zika virus, which are transmitted by these insects.

Other options like "pathogen" refer to the microorganisms themselves that cause disease, while "host" describes an organism that harbors the pathogen, either showing symptoms or being asymptomatic. A "carrier," in some contexts, can imply an organism that carries a pathogen without showing symptoms, but it does not highlight the active role of transmission that a vector does. Thus, "vector" appropriately captures the essence of the question regarding transmission and pathogen facilitation.