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 vivax: Schizonts

P. vivax schizonts

Figs. 19-27: 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 vivax schizonts are large, have 12 to 24 merozoites, yellowish-brown, coalesced pigment, and may fill the red blood cell (RBC).  RBCs are enlarged 1 1/2 to 2× and may be distorted.  Under optimal conditions, Schüffner's dots may be seen.

P. vivax schizont - thin smear P. vivax schizont - thin smear
A B

A, B: Mature schizonts.

P. vivax schizont - thin smear P. vivax schizont - thin smear P. vivax schizont - thin smear
C D E

C, D, E: Ruptured schizonts.
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