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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, immune 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! Schüffner's dots (P.vivax) and James' dots) (P.ovale) are very numerous red/purple fine red stippling that becomes apparent during the early trophzoite as faint structures, then are more easily seen in later developmental stages. These two forms of dot are morphologically indistinguishable, appearing as frequent evenly-distrubuted round stipples of similar size. Maurer's dots and clefts (P.falciparum) are blue/purple coloured and are not acquired until the late trophozoite stage of parasite development, are fewer in number than Schüffner's or James' dots and may appear as dots, clefts or plaques. The Sinton and Mulligan's stippling of P.knowlesi may appear similar to Maurer's dots. Ziemann's stippling (P.malariae) is not usully seen, but when present appears as faint fine (and inconspicuous) dots in cytoplasm of some infected erythrocytes.