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

Developing trophozoites of P. ovale are compact with little vacuolation.  Infected RBCs are often slightly enlarged and may exhibit fimbriation and Schüffner's dots.  Pigment is less-coarse and diffuse.

Plasmodium ovale trophozoites

A

A: Developing trophozoites of P. ovale in thin blood smears.  Figs. 6-15: Increasingly mature trophozoites.  Note the fimbriated red cells (Figs. 8 and 13)
Illustrations from: Coatney GR, Collins WE, Warren M, Contacos PG. The Primate Malarias. Bethesda: U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare; 1971.

Plasmodium ovale trophozoite in thick blood smear Plasmodium ovale trophozoite in thin blood smear
B C

B: Trophozoite of P. ovale in a thick blood smear.
C: Trophozoite of P. ovale in a thin blood smear.  Note the fimbriation.

Plasmodium ovale trophozoite in thin blood smear Plasmodium ovale trophozoite in thin blood smear
D E

D, E: Trophozoites of P. ovale in thin blood smears.  Note the fimbriation and Schüffner's dots.

Plasmodium ovale trophozoites in thin blood smear Plasmodium ovale trophozoites in thin blood smear
F G

F: Infected RBCs showing developing (lower) and ring-form (upper two) trophozoites of P. ovale in a thin blood smear.
G: Trophozoites of P. ovale in a thin blood smear.

 
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