Red cell crenation description
From haematologyetc.co.uk
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| When does red cell crenation occur?
This refers to crenation of erythrocytes that contain parasites when the normal erythrocytes are unaffected, i.e. it is a feature of the presence of parasites. The finding is sometimes (though not always) seen in P.falciparum infection, particularly in later forms, and presumably rreflects altered red cell hydration.
Note that the parasite is very closely in contact with the red cell membrane (P.falciparum late trophozoite form with maurer's dots and clefts)
Species significance Most often considered to be a feature of p.falciparum infection and when frequent these appearances are helpful to indicate this species. However, the form is not fully specific and examples may occur in any species. Additional images
Malaria Accolé forms in: early trophozoite of P.malarae (A) early trophozoite of P.vivax (B) and ealy trophozoite of P.ovale (C). Note the differences in parasite and red cell size and shape and the presence or absence of additional dots |
