Diagnostic Findings [Last Modified: ]
Malaria
[Plasmodium falciparum] [Plasmodium malariae]
[Plasmodium ovale] [Plasmodium vivax]
Causal Agent Life Cycle Geographic Distribution Clinical Features Laboratory Diagnosis Treatment

Plasmodium falciparum: Gametocytes

P. falciparum gametocytes

Figs. 27, 28:  Mature macrogametocytes (female); Figs. 29, 30: Mature microgametocytes (male).
Illustration from: Coatney GR, Collins WE, Warren M, Contacos PG. The Primate Malarias. Bethesda: U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare; 1971.

Smears from patients:

Plasmodium falciparum gametocytes, when mature are crescent or sausage shape.  The red blood cell is often distorted or not visible.

P. falciparum gametocyte - thin smear P. falciparum gametocyte - thin smear
A B

P. falciparum gametocyte - thin smear P. falciparum gametocyte - thin smear
C D

A, B, C, D: Gametocytes of P. falciparum in thin blood smears.  Note the presence of a “Laveran’s bib," which is not always visible.

P. falciparum gametocyte - thick smear
E

E: Two gametocytes captured from a thick blood smear.
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