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: Trophozoites

P. ovale trophozoites

Increasingly mature trophozoites.  Note the fimbriated red cells (Figs. 8, 13).
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 trophozoites have sturdy cytoplasm, large chromatin dots, and can be compact to slightly amoeboid.  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 trophozoite - thin smear P. ovale trophozoite - thin smear
A B

A, B: Trophozoites of P. ovale in thin blood smears.  A is slightly amoeboid.  B shows a more compact trophozoite and Schüffner's dots.

P. ovale trophozoite - thick smear
C

C: Trophozoite in a thick blood smear.
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