Plural form referring to animal-like organisms or parasites that live inside cells.
From cyto- (Greek kytos, 'cell') + -zoa (Greek zōion, 'animal'). A taxonomic term from the 19th century when biologists were categorizing microscopic organisms found living within cells.
Cytozoa includes some of the most fascinating cellular invaders—like Plasmodium parasites that cause malaria and actually hide inside your red blood cells to avoid your immune system. It's cellular architecture at its most diabolical.
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