Multiple parasites

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What are double infected cells?

In some cases more than one parasite (most often early or late trophozoites) can be seen within a single erythrocyte.

• Multiple1.jpg

The most frequent form - two early trophozoites of P.falciparum in a single erythrocyte

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Species significance

Most often considered a feature indicating P.falciparum infection, and is certainly frequent in that species where it can be used to support the diagnosis. However, the form should not considered as specific, and may occur in any species (and is also a frequent finding for babesia parasites).

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Additional images

• Multiple2.jpg

  A

• Multiple3.jpg

  B

• Multiple4.jpg

  C

Malaria double chromatin dot forms in: late trophozoite of P.ovale (A) an early trophozoite of P.vivax (B) amd eraly trophozoite of P.knowlesi (C)

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