A
phagolysosome is a cytoplasmic body formed by the fusion of a
phagosome, or ingested particle, with a
lysosome containing hydrolytic enzymes. After fusion, the food particles or pathogens contained within the phagosome are usually digested by the enzymes contained within the lysosome. Phagolysosome formation follows
phagocytosis. It is common in immunological functions of
macrophages and forms the home of several infectious agents including
Leishmania.