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

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.

A	B

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

C

 C: Schizont of P. falciparum in a thin blood smear.  Trophozoites are also seen in this image.