Red cell size and shape: P.vivax

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*How is red cell size and shape affected as P.vivax* develops?** During parasite developmemt each species alters the red cell that they occupy. These changes differ between species causing characteristic changes to.red. cell size and red cell shape. For P.vivax these changes occur from a relatively early stage of parasite development (although the very earliest trophozoites may not yet show these features). These changes in size are retained at schizont and gametocyte stages. Both P.ovale and P.vivax cause red cells become progressively enlarged and distorted as the parasites develop. It may not be possible to distingish the species based on red cell appearances, but there are differences. P.vivax This species tend to have the largest red cell size that becomes evident at quite and early stage; the typical shape is quite irregular fimbriation is not (generally) seen. A B Trophozoites of P.vivax cause increase in size and distortion of red cells as the parasites mature. Here, the the early trophozoite (A) is enlarged but still retains a relatively undistorted elongated shape (similar to P.ovale); however the late form (B) is has a very irregular shape (note that unlike P.ovale the red cell is not fimbriated).