Hypnozoite
Hypnozoite
Hypnozoite (pronunciation: /ˈhɪp.nəʊ.zəʊ.aɪt/) is a term used in parasitology to describe a life-cycle stage of certain parasitic protozoa.
Etymology
The term "hypnozoite" is derived from the Greek words "hypnos" (meaning sleep) and "zoion" (meaning animal). This term was coined to describe the dormant stage of certain parasites, which can "sleep" in the host's liver for extended periods before becoming active and causing disease.
Definition
Hypnozoites are a form of the parasite that remains dormant in the liver cells of a host. They are characteristic of certain species of the genus Plasmodium, which are responsible for malaria. The hypnozoite stage is a unique adaptation that allows these parasites to survive in the host for long periods without causing symptoms, and to re-emerge and cause relapses of malaria weeks, months, or even years after the initial infection.
Related Terms
- Plasmodium: A genus of parasitic protozoa, some species of which cause malaria.
- Malaria: A disease caused by a plasmodium parasite, transmitted by the bite of infected mosquitoes.
- Parasitology: The study of parasites and their effects on their hosts.
- Protozoa: A diverse group of unicellular eukaryotic organisms, many of which are parasitic.
- Liver: A large, lobed organ that performs many important functions in the body, including the detoxification of harmful substances and the storage of vitamins and nutrients.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Hypnozoite
- Wikipedia's article - Hypnozoite
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