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 malariae: Gametocytes

P. malariae gametocytes

Fig. 23: Developing gametocyte; Fig. 24: Macrogametocyte (female); Fig. 25: Microgametocyte (male).
Illustrations 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 malariae gametocytes are round to oval with scattered brown pigment; may almost fill red blood cell (RBC).  The RBCs are normal to smaller than normal (3/4×) in size.

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

A, B: Gametocytes in thin blood smears.

P. malariae gametocyte - thick smear
C

C: A thick blood smear showing a gametocyte (upper left) and two rings.
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