Which tissue cysts result from Toxoplasma gondii infection?

Study for the Harr Parasitology Exam. Review multiple-choice questions with hints and comprehensive explanations. Ace your certification!

The correct choice is bradyzoites, as these are the form of the Toxoplasma gondii parasite that resides within tissue cysts. When a host is infected with Toxoplasma gondii, the parasite differentiates into bradyzoites, which are slow-growing forms found in cysts located primarily in the brain and muscle tissues of the host. This encapsulation allows the parasite to survive in a dormant state, evading the host's immune response for extended periods.

In contrast, oocysts represent the stage of the parasite that is shed by cats in feces and must be ingested to initiate a new infection cycle. Trophozoites generally refer to the active, motile feeding stage of certain protozoans, but Toxoplasma gondii does not have a specific trophozoite stage defined in its lifecycle; it exists in various forms, including bradyzoites. Sporozoites are immature forms found within oocysts that are responsible for initiating infection upon ingestion but do not form tissue cysts themselves. Thus, bradyzoites are specifically the stage linked to tissue cyst formation in the context of Toxoplasma gondii infection.

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