Species identification: summary page

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>This page: Species Indentification: summary

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Plasmodium falciparum

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  Early trophozoite

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  Late trophozoite

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  Schizont (rare)

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  Gametocyte

Summary

• Small and fine ring forms, look for typical forms accolé, multiple parasites per cell, double dot
• Characteristic Maurer's dots and clefts in late trophozoites
• The irregular and "tatty" schizonts very rarely seen in blood unless severe infection
• Characteristic elongated (often curved) 'banana' gametocytes

CLICK for detailed description

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Plasmodium vivax

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  Early trophozoite

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  Late trophozoite

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  Schizont (rare)

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  Gametocyte

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

CLICK for detailed description

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Plasmodium ovale

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Brief summary

• Ring forms are large and robust and often retained in the late trophozoite stage
• Red cells become moderately enlarged and may have oval shape with characteristic fimbriation
• Schüffner's (James) dots form dusing development and will be seen in appropriately stained samples
• All developmental forms tend to circulate and may be difficult to distinguish from P.vivax

CLICK for detailed description

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Plasmodium malariae

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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

For more information

• click for full description of P.malariae morphology
• click to visit the gallery of P.malariae forms

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Plasmodium knowlesi

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  Early trophozoite

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  Late trophozoite

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  Schizont

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  Gametocyte

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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

For more information

• click for full description of P.knowlesis morphology
• haga clic para obtener una descripción completa de la morfología de P.knowlesis
• click to visit the gallery of P.knowlesi forms

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