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

Gametocytes of P. malariae are compact and tend to fill the host RBC.  There is no enlargement of the infected RBC and sometimes there is a reduction in size.  The cytoplasm stains blue and the chromatin pink to red.  Abundant dark pigment may be scattered throughout the cytoplasm.

Plasmodium malariae gametocytes

A

A: Gametocytes of P. malariae.  Fig. 23: Developing gametocyte; Fig. 24: Mature macrogametocyte (female); Fig. 25: Mature microgametocyte (male).
Illustrations from: Coatney GR, Collins WE, Warren M, Contacos PG. The Primate Malarias. Bethesda: U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare; 1971.

Plasmodium malariae gametocyte in thick blood smear Plasmodium malariae gametocyte in thick blood smear
B C

B, C: Gametocytes of P. malariae in thick blood smears.

Plasmodium malariae gametocyte in thin blood smear Plasmodium malariae gametocyte in thin blood smear
D E

D, E: Gametocytes of P. malariae in thin blood smears.

Plasmodium malariae gametocyte in thin blood smear Plasmodium malariae gametocyte in thin blood smear
F G

F, G: Developing gametocytes of P. malariae in thin blood smears.

 
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