When the organism is introduced as a result of blood feeding activities. When the organism is transmitted passively as a result of either contact or feeding activities. Transmission of the organism between stages in the life cycle of the arthropod. Transmission of an organism from female to offspring via the egg. Transmission of an organism via feces rather than through bites or contact.
Many arthropods serve as intermediate hosts for various parasitic helminth organisms.
Examples include orbatid mites as intermediate hosts for various cestode infections. These animals play an important role in the natural distribution of arthropod-borne diseases and maintaining their existence in nature when the disease is not exhibited in the host population. The true reservoir animal suffers little or no ill effects from the organism but is essential in maintaining it.