Schüffner's dots
From haematologyetc.co.uk
- MSc1.jpg
- MSc2.jpg
- MSc3.jpg
- MSc4.jpg
Different intensities of cytoplasmic dots, from faint to intense during the development of P.vivax. Note that even when faint the number of dots is high (compare with the Maurer's dots and clefts of P.falciparum)
Description
These are frequent red-purple dots in the erythrocyte cytoplasm of cells infected by P.vivax (like the James' dots seen in P.ovale) that develop from early trophozoite infection as faint dots, then become more obvious in all mature forms. These represent modification of the red cell by the parasite.
Species significance
These dots are restricted to P.ovale (but are indistinguishable from the Schüffner's dots of P.vivax). Note the appearance of dots is highly dependent on correct staining pH.