Evaluation of "Amphixenosis" as a Classification Term for Bidirectional Human–Animal Disease Transmission

The One Health concept emphasizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, yet terminology describing bidirectional infectious disease transmission between humans and animals remains inconsistent. Researchers use various terms to describe bidirectional human–animal disease transmission, many of which are broad, directionally ambiguous, event-specific, or descriptive rather than classificatory. Drawing on published literature, this perspective examines whether the designation “amphixenosis” could serve as a classification term for such transmission systems by comparing it with existing terminology, discussing representative examples, proposing a conceptual definition, and considering its potential advantages, limitations, and applications. Rather than recommending immediate adoption or replacement of preexisting terms, this perspective aims to encourage discussion on whether more consistent terminology could improve conceptual clarity, communication, terminological consistency, literature retrieval, and disease classification within One Health.