WHO plates for diagosis of malaria
Plasmodium Falciparum Key points - Fine ring forms in normal size red cells
- Only species to show double chromatin dots and in which more than one trophozoite is found in a single red cell
- Schizonts are rare in peripheral blood
- Banana shaped gametocytes
- Falciparum is the most dangerous form so it is important not to miss.
Plasmodium malariae Key points - Tends to infect small, older red cells
- Pigment is particularly prominent compared to other species
- Only species to display band forms
Plasmodium Vivax Key points - Tends to infect larger red cells
- Prominent Schuffners dots in the cytoplasm (also found in P. Ovale)
Plasmodium Ovale Key points - Appearances are similar to vivax (larger cells, prominent cytoplasmic dots)
- Key feature differentiating the trophozoites is the fibriated edge, which is easily missed unless you specifically look for it!
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