Schüffner's dots
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| What are Schüffner's dots?
Schüffner's dots are red-purple dots seen in P.vivax. They are morphologically indistinguishable from the James' dots of P.ovale but are very diffrent from the more dense and blue coloured Maurer's dots and clefts of P.falciparum. Like all parasite structures Schüffner's dots form progressively, and may not be seen in very early trophozoites.
Note the appearance of dots is highly dependent on correct staining pH.
Species significance These dots are a feature of P.vivax, but are morphologically indistinguishable from the James dots of P.ovale. Distinction between these species must therefore be made based on other diagnostic crieria.
Additional images
Developing dots |
