Which option describes a situation where there is a limited number of host species?

• A. A broad range of host species
• B. No host requirement
• C. A limited number of host species
• D. Only reservoir hosts

Answer: (C)

A pathogen with a limited host range is one that infects only a few species—the appearance of narrow host specificity or a “specialist” pattern. This means the organism relies on specific hosts for its life cycle and transmission, rather than being able to use many different species. The phrase describes a restricted set of susceptible hosts, which is exactly what “a limited number of host species” conveys. In contrast, a broad range of host species would indicate a generalist pathogen capable of infecting many hosts, and statements about no host requirement or only reservoir hosts don’t directly capture the idea of how many species can serve as hosts.