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 ovale: Gametocytes

P. ovale gametocytes

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 ovale gametocytes are round to oval, and may almost fill the red blood cells (RBCs).  Pigment is brown and more coarse than that of P. vivax.  RBCs are normal to slightly enlarged (1 1/4×), may be round to oval, and are sometimes fimbriated.  Schüffner's dots are visible under optimal conditions.

P. ovale gametocyte - thin smear P. ovale gametocyte - thin smear P. ovale gametocyte - thin smear
A B C

A, B, C: Gametocytes in thin blood smears.  The Schüffner's dots can be seen in the infected oval RBC in A, and the erythrocytes in B and C show fimbriation.
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