Falciparum

Thin film features

Trophozoites

  • RBC normal size

  • Many cells infected

  • RBC with >1 parasite (multiple infections), more common in falciparum

  • Headphone dots: double chromatin dots

  • Acale forms

  • Maurer's clefts/dots (as parasite becoming more mature): diagnostic of Pf.

Schizonts

  • Schizonts get stuck/sequested in the capillaries

  • Less commonly seen in the circulation in Pf.

  • 18-20 merozoites (nucleus)

Gametocyte

  • In the RBC, stretches out (crescent/banana shaped)

Thick film