Thick films - parasites identification
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Recognising specific parasite features on malaria thick films
In some species and parasite forms the morphology will be better preserved allowing a more confident identification and assignment of either parasite developmental stage, species or associated species. This can vary within the preparation according to the thickness of the preparation and the relative rsistance to lysis. Some examples are given below:
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Early trophozoite forms (P.ovale)
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A
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B
Late trophozoite forms
The trophozoites on this film are well preserved with a well defined chromatin dot and cytoplasm; in contrast to many examples the infected red cell has resisted complete lysis allowing its outline to be distinguished and also the frequent (although less well defined) James' dots to be seen (as well as a suggestion of gold/brown pigment). This makes it possible to infer the species as likely to beP.ovale or P.vivax although a thin film provides much greater diagnostic confidence.
Schizont forms
Gametocyte forms
Malaria pigment
