Hematozoan

/ˌhɛmətəˈzoʊən/ noun

Definition

An organism or parasite that lives in the blood of animals or humans.

Etymology

From Greek haima (blood) + zoon (animal). This term was developed in the 1800s as scientists using microscopes discovered single-celled organisms living in blood samples.

Kelly Says

Hematozoans include some of history's most important parasites—the malaria parasite, sleeping sickness organisms, and dengue fever viruses all call the blood their home. Understanding these blood-dwelling invaders has saved millions of lives!

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