Cyst

An environmentally resistant stage of a microorganism that helps it to survive periods of environmentally harsh conditions. Some protozoan parasites form infective, highly resistant cysts (e.g., Giardia) and oocysts (thick-walled spores, e.g., Cryptosporidium) during their life cycle.

Synonyms and Abbreviation
Oocyst

Cyst

An environmentally resistant stage of a microorganism that helps it to survive periods of environmentally harsh conditions. Some protozoan parasites form infective, highly resistant cysts (e.g., Giardia) and oocysts (thick-walled spores, e.g., Cryptosporidium) during their life cycle.

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