Diagnostic Findings [Last Modified: ]
Malaria
[Plasmodium falciparum] [Plasmodium knowlesi] [Plasmodium malariae] [Plasmodium ovale] [Plasmodium vivax]
Causal Agent Life Cycle Geographic Distribution Clinical Features Laboratory Diagnosis Treatment

Schizonts are rarely seen in peripheral blood of Plasmodium falciparum infections, except in severe cases.  When seen, schizonts contain anywhere from 8-24 merozoites.  A mature schizont usually fills about 2/3 of the infected RBC.

Plasmodium falciparum schizonts

A

A: Schizonts of P. falciparum.  Figs. 19-25: Increasingly mature schizonts; Fig. 26: Ruptured schizont.
Illustrations from: Coatney GR, Collins WE, Warren M, Contacos PG. The Primate Malarias. Bethesda: U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare; 1971.

Plasmodium falciparum schizont in thin blood smear Plasmodium falciparum schizont in thin blood smear
B C

B, C: Schizonts of P. falciparum in a thin blood smear.

Plasmodium falciparum schizont in thin blood smear
D

D: Schizont of P. falciparum in a thin blood smear.

 
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