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[Plasmodium falciparum] [Plasmodium knowlesi] [Plasmodium malariae] [Plasmodium ovale] [Plasmodium vivax]

Gametocytes of Plasmodium falciparum are crescent- or sausage-shaped, and are usually about 1.5 times the diameter of an RBC in length.  The cytoplasm of the macrogametocytes (female) are usually a darker, deeper blue; the cytoplasm of the microgametocytes (male) is usually more pale.  The red chromatin and pigment is more coarse and concentrated in the macrogametocytes than the microgametocytes.  Sometimes in thin blood smears, the remnants of the host RBC can be seen; this is often referred to as a "Lavernan's bib".

A	B

A, B: Gametocytes of P. falciparum in thick blood smears.  Note also the presence of many ring-form trophozoites.

C

 C: Gametocytes of P. falciparum in a thick blood smear.