Image Library [Last Modified: ]
Malaria
[Plasmodium falciparum] [Plasmodium malariae]
[Plasmodium ovale] [Plasmodium vivax]

Plasmodium falciparum: Ring Stage Parasites

Smears from patients:

Plasmodium falciparum rings have delicate cytoplasm and 1 or 2 small chromatin dots.  Red blood cells (RBCs) that are infected are not enlarged; multiple infection of RBCs more common in P. falciparum than in other species.  Occasional appliqué forms (rings appearing on the periphery of the RBC) can be present.

Rings of P. falciparum in a thin blood smear Rings of P. falciparum in a thin blood smear Rings of P. falciparum in a thin blood smear
A B C

A, B, C: Multiply infected red blood cells with appliqué forms in thin blood smears.

Rings of P. falciparum in a thin blood smear Rings of P. falciparum in a thin blood smear
D E

D: Signet ring form.
E: Double chromatin dot.

Rings of P. falciparum in a thick blood smear
F

G: A thick blood smear showing many ring forms of P. falciparum.
Back Top
Previous Page Page 6 of 10 Next Page