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: Trophozoites

P. malariae trophozoites

Figs. 6-13: Increasingly mature trophozoites; Fig. 13 is a "band form".
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 trophozoites have compact cytoplasm and a large chromatin dot.  Occasional band forms and/or "basket" forms with coarse, dark-brown pigment can be seen.

P. malariae trophozoite - thin smear P. malariae trophozoite - thin smear P. malariae trophozoite - thin smear
A B C

A, B, C: Mature trophozoites in thin blood smears.  A and B are band forms.  C is a "basket" form.
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