What is a "dead-end host" in the context of mosquito-borne viruses?

In the study of mosquito-borne viruses, a "dead-end host" refers to a host that does not effectively transmit the virus back to mosquitoes or other hosts. This means that even if the host is infected with the virus, it does not facilitate the cycle of transmission that is essential for the virus's spread.

When a mosquito feeds on a dead-end host, it might take up the virus; however, due to the low levels of the virus or the host's immune response, the mosquito is unable to become infected in a manner that allows it to pass the virus on to other hosts. Thus, the presence of dead-end hosts is crucial in understanding the dynamics of disease spread, as they can limit the potential for outbreaks of mosquito-borne diseases. This concept demonstrates the importance of host interactions in the epidemiology of vector-borne viruses.

In contrast, other types of hosts might support a virus well and contribute to its life cycle, influencing the spread of the disease in a population.