Gametocytes of P. ovale can be difficult to distinguish from those of P. vivax, although there is generally less enlargement of the infected RBC.  The mature macrogametocyte fills the host RBC; the microgametocyte is smaller.  Schüffner's dots may be seen with proper staining and fimbriation may occur.

A

A: Gametocytes of P. ovale.  Fig. 24: Macrogametocyte (female); Fig. 25: 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.

B	C

B: Gametocyte of P ovale in a thick blood smear.
C: Gametocyte of P. ovale (red arrow) nestled between two white blood cells in a thick blood smear.

D	E

D: Microgametocyte of P. ovale in a thin blood smear.  Note the elongated, oval shape and the Schüffner's dots.
E: Macrogametocyte of P. ovale in a thin blood smear.  Note the fimbriation.

F	G

F, G: Macrogametocytes of P. ovale in thin blood smears, showing Schüffner's dots.