HealthJuly 15, 2026
oocyst
/ˈoʊ.ə.sɪst/
Definition
The dormant, protective egg-like stage of a parasitic protozoan, such as Cyclospora, that allows it to survive in the environment until it is ingested.
Etymology
The word is derived from the Greek 'ōon' meaning 'egg' and 'kystis' meaning 'bladder' or 'pouch.' It was coined in modern biological terminology to describe the resistant, cyst-like container that holds the parasite's eggs or developing stages.
In the news
In this article, oocysts are identified as the specific form of the Cyclospora parasite found in stool samples, which confirms a patient's infection after they consume contaminated food or water.
Oklahoma State Department of Health confirms 56 cyclosporiasis cases, 6 hospitalizations
Read the full article ↗KOSU