transovarial

Transovarial refers to a mode of transmission of an infectious agent, such as a virus or bacterium, from a parent organism to its offspring through the egg. This process occurs before the egg is laid or fertilized, meaning the pathogen is present within the reproductive cells or tissues of the parent that contribute to the egg. For example, in some insect species, pathogens can be transmitted transovarially, allowing infected females to lay infected eggs, thus perpetuating the infection within the population. This can be a significant factor in the epidemiology of certain diseases, as it allows for the continuous presence of a pathogen even when external transmission routes are limited. The term originates from "trans" meaning across or through, and "ovarial" referring to the ovary, where eggs are produced. Understanding transovarial transmission is crucial for developing control strategies for diseases that rely on this mechanism for their spread and persistence. It is a form of vertical transmission, distinguishing it from horizontal transmission which occurs between individuals of the same generation.