SummaryAt the very earliest point of growth, the malarial parasites may be difficult to distinguish from other early trophozoites. However, in this species a range of maturing forms are generally present and later forms begin to aquire characteristic features of the species - the trophozoites become larger and acquire thisckened and more irregular features. At the same time the red cells begin to enlarge and become less regular with the appearance of typical Schuffner's dots in the red cell cytoplasm.
Fine ring form The small and delicate form of this species
PVET2p.jpg
Double chromatin dot form Two chromatin dots (sometimes known as "signet ring" form).
PVET3p.jpg
Accolé form: The arrowed form is closely associated with the red cell membrane
PVET4p.jpg
Multiple parasites Two parasites within a single red cells (arrowed)
PVET5p.jpg
High parasitaemia Most of the typical early trophozoite P.falciparum forms are present
