Plasmodium - Identification Algorithm • P. falciparum: RINGS AND GAMETOCYTES PREDOMINATE, Small delicate rings, <1/3 size RBC, Headphones forms, Applique forms, Multiple rings/RBC, High parasitemia, Banana-shaped gametocytes • P. malariae: ALL STAGES PRESENT, Thick rings, ≤ 1/3 size RBC, Basket, band forms, Rosette schizonts • P. vivax: ALL STAGES PRESENT, Ameboid trophs, >1/3 size RBC, Schizont with >12 merozoites • P. ovale: ALL STAGES PRESENT, Trophs more compact, > 1/3 size RBC, 1/3 oval shape, fimbriated edges Bobbi Pritt, MD @ParasiteGal #Plasmodium #Identification #Algorithm #pathology #smear #microscopy #malaria
