| Plasmodium
vivax |
Plasmodium
falciparum |
| Ring form |
Ring form |
| 2.0 to 3.0 micrometres
in diameter; usually no more than one parasite is observed
within a single enlarged red blood cell (reticulocyte). |
The ring forms are 1.5 micrometres
in diameter and multiple infection of erythrocytes is
common. They often show double chromatin dots. |
| Amoeboid form |
|
| The infected red cells are enlarged
and show marked stippling |
|
| Schizont |
Schizont |
| A mature schizont about to rupture.
12 to 18 merozoites and yellow brown pigment particles
gathered into the centre. |
They are not usually found in the
peripheral circulation, but they are seen in the final
stage of severe infection. The mature schizont forms 18
to 24 merozoites. |
| Macrogametocyte |
Macrogametocyte |
| About 7 micrometres in diameter.
The female gametocyte maybe almost the size of enlarged
red cell, its cytoplasm stains blue and the chromatin
is situated near the periphery. |
The female gametocyte is crescentic
or banana shaped and is called a 'crescent cytoplasm'.
It is stained blue and nucleus red by Giemsa stain. |
| Microgametocyte |
Microgametocyte |
| The male gametocyte has an irregular
nucleus with diffuse chromatin. |
The male gametocyte is less pointed
in shape and stains pink. |
