[Last Modified: ]
[Plasmodium falciparum] [Plasmodium knowlesi] [Plasmodium malariae] [Plasmodium ovale] [Plasmodium vivax]

Ring-form trophozoites (rings) of Plasmodium falciparum are often thin and delicate, measuring on average 1/5 the diameter of the red blood cell.  Rings may possess one or two chromatin dots.  They may be found on the periphery of the RBC (accolé, appliqué) and multiply-infected RBCs are not uncommon.  Ring forms may become compact or pleomorphic depending on the quality of the blood or if there is a delay in making smears.  There is usually no enlargement of infected RBCs.

A	B

A, B: Rings of P. falciparum in a thick blood smear.

C	D

C, D: Rings of P. falciparum in thick blood smears.

E	F

E, F: Rings of P. falciparum in thick blood smears.