Why aren't vectors affected by the pathogenic organisms they carry?

[Rachelle]

So the mosquito, carrying malaria isn't affected by it, but the host organism is?
Is it to do with marker molecules or something?

answers much appreciated1

[sparked]

Hey Rachelle,

Remember that viruses are highly specific in terms of THEIR surface markers and which cells they can invade/which DNA they manipulate in a way as to cause actually infections. Mosquitos probably don't possess the same surface markers to malaria as humans. To the extent that they are similar, they allow the virus to enter some cells for incubation, but the virions/new viruses don't aggressively expand throughout the organism - they require human surface markers to allow/trigger that reaction sequence.

[Rachelle]

Hey Rachelle,

Remember that viruses are highly specific in terms of THEIR surface markers and which cells they can invade/which DNA they manipulate in a way as to cause actually infections. Mosquitos probably don't possess the same surface markers to malaria as humans. To the extent that they are similar, they allow the virus to enter some cells for incubation, but the virions/new viruses don't aggressively expand throughout the organism - they require human surface markers to allow/trigger that reaction sequence.

Oh makes sense. Thanks heaps!!

[sparked]

Haha no worries. Keep posting questions on the forum and I'll answer the ones I can. A lot of people will be questioning similar things, it's a really good way for everyone to learn!