Hematocytozoon

/ˌhɛmətəˌsaɪtəˈzoʊɒn/ noun

Definition

A parasitic animal organism that lives in blood cells; a blood parasite.

Etymology

From Greek 'haima' (blood) + 'kytos' (cell) + 'zoon' (animal). A parasitology term specifically for animal parasites inhabiting blood, used since the 19th century.

Kelly Says

Babesia is a hematocytozoon that's transferred by tick bites and invades red blood cells just like malaria does—it's why doctors check for it in people with mysterious fevers after outdoor activities.

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