Cytoplasmic dots

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Cytoplasmic dots The dots of different species represent parasite proteins that modify red cell function in a range of ways to support parasite development, immun evasion or virulence. Their precise functions are ill defined, but their appearances have value in distinguishing the different species of parasite. The dots require a well-stained specimen to be easily seen! The dots of P.vivax (Schüffner's dots) and P.ovale (James' dots) tend to become apparent during the early trophzoite as faint dots then to be easily seen in later stages. These two forms of dots are morphologically indistinguishable as frequent evenly-distrubuted round dots od similar size. The Maurer's dots and clefts of P.falciparum Are more blue/dark coloured and are not acquired until the late trophozoite stage of parasite development. They are less consistently "dot-like" and may appear as dots, clefts or plaques. The Sinton and Mulligan stippling of P.knowlesi may appear similar.