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: Schizonts

P. ovale schizonts

Increasingly mature schizonts.
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 schizonts have 6 to 14 merozoites with large nuclei, clustered around mass of dark-brown pigment.  Red blood cells 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 schizont - thin smear P. ovale schizont - thin smear P. ovale schizont - thin smear
A B C

A, B, C: Schizonts of P. ovale in thin blood smears.  All of these infected blood cells are oval.  A and C have minor fimbriation.

P. ovale schizont - thick smear
D

D: Schizont in a thick blood smear.
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