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Plasmodium falciparum
The thin smear shows intra-erythrocytic parasites,
all at the ring stage. Some erythrocytes are multiply infected,
and some parasites are in "appliqué" forms (pushed against the edge of
the erythrocyte). All these characteristics are compatible with P.
falciparum. A high proportion of the erythrocytes are infected, an
indication that this infection might be severe. (The thick smear shows
many parasites and a leukocyte; thick smears are more sensitive than
thin smears for detecting parasites, but thin smears are needed for
species determination.)
Page last modified : July 30, 2004
Content source: Division of Parasitic Diseases
National Center for Zoonotic, Vector-Borne, and Enteric Diseases (ZVED)
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