oocysts

Only high prolonged temperatures are capable of killing the "oocysts" that protect the worm.

Brain worms: one in five are infested 2009

Some such as oocysts, which are caused by the intracellular parasites Cryptosporidium and

EzineArticles 2010

They mate and make oocysts, and the cycle starts over again.

Parasite Rex Carl Zimmer 2009

They mate and make oocysts, and the cycle starts over again.

Parasite Rex Carl Zimmer 2009

In their new host, the oocysts hatch and the protozoa move through the body and look for a cell to make their home.

Parasite Rex Carl Zimmer 2009

They mate and make oocysts, and the cycle starts over again.

Parasite Rex Carl Zimmer 2009

But continued ingestion of viable brain worm oocysts can lead to huge numbers of them infesting the brain, causing continuous strain on the immune system so that other illnesses are potentially more likely and more serious.

Brain worms: one in five are infested 2009

In their new host, the oocysts hatch and the protozoa move through the body and look for a cell to make their home.

Parasite Rex Carl Zimmer 2009

For example, mice infected with brain worms lose their fear of cat urine, and thus are more readily ingested by cats, leading to infestation of the predating cat, and further spread of the oocysts in that cat's feces over the next few weeks.

Brain worms: one in five are infested 2009

In their new host, the oocysts hatch and the protozoa move through the body and look for a cell to make their home.

Parasite Rex Carl Zimmer 2009