P. vivax characteristically displays Schuffner's dots and often enlarged RBCs along with brownish
granules. P. vivax can also have 12-24 merozoies in each cell, actually filling the entire RBC. This parasite also has very irreglar shapes often referred to as "Ameboid".
P. falciparum and P. malariae do not display Shuffner's dots, therefore could not be the correct choice.
P. ovale does display Shuffner's dots in all stages, but characteristically has about 8-12 merozoites in
rosettes or irregular clusters inside the RBC. Also, P. ovale characteristically shows enlarged, ovoid RBCs with fimbriated edges.
Identify the parasite of a patient with suspected malaria who demonstrates the following findings on a blood smear:
- Enlarged RBCs, some with fine brownish granules
- > 15 parasites in some cells
- Ameboid structures
- Schuffner's dots
Q49
Single choice