bradyzoite

A slowly multiplying encysted form of sporozoan parasite typical of chronic infection with Toxoplasma gondii. It has also been called a merozoite or zoite; the complex of bradyzoites within an enclosing membrane has also been called a pseudocyst, though it is now regarded as a true cyst.

[brady- + G. zōē, life]

Toxoplasma gondii life-cycle stage that forms within a cystlike structure. The organisms multiply slowly but may be transformed into tachyzoites when the host's immune system is impaired.

[brady- + G. zōē, life]