Species Identification
From haematologyetc.co.uk
| Plasmodium falciparum |
Summary
- Small and fine ring forms, may have accolé (edge) forms or multiple parasites per cell
- Maurer's dots and clefts are seen in late trophozoites
- The irregular and "tatty" schizonts very rarely seen in blood unless severe infection
- Characteristic elongated (often curved) 'banana' gametocytes may be seen
Early trophozoite
Late trophozoite
Schizont (rare)
Gametocyte
| Plasmodium vivax |
Brief summary
- Large and robust rings that become amoeboid during later development
- Red cells become increasingly enlarged and distorted as parasites mature
- Schüffner's dots are visible in appropriately stained thin blood films
- All forms tend to circulate with large schizont and gametocyte forms present
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| Plasmodium ovale |
Brief summary
- rings are large and robust, with ring appearance often retained in late trophozoite stage
- Red cells are enlarged often with oval shape and may have characteristic fimbriation
- Schüffner's (James) dots seen in appropriately stained samples
- All forms tend to circulate, parasites are large but tend to be smaller than for P.vivax
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| Plasmodium malariae |
Brief summary
- Small rings (less delicate than P.falciparum) and becoming elongated or solid as parasites mature
- Red cells often small remaining a round shape and with no added dots unless heavily stained
- All forms tend to circulate, characteristically look for "daisy" schizonts and small round gametocytes
- Parasite number is often low
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| Plasmodium knowlesi |
Early trophozoite
Late trophozoite
Schizont
Gametocyte
Brief Summary
- Very limited geographical distribution within S.E Asia
- Small fine ring forms resemble those of P.falciparum and may have high parasite count
- Later rings are more solid or elongated similar to P.malariae, although faint dots may be present
- Schizonts & gametocytes are often present and may resemble P.malariae but are less "neat"
- Characteristically red cell size is unaffected, although distortion may be seen
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