Malaria

All malaria parasites infest red blood cells, and that is where they should be looked for. Typically, a Leishman stained smear of peripheral blood is usued to detect the parasite.

Falciparum malaria

Plasmodium falciparum, the causative agent of malignant malaria, is usually diagnosed by its characteristic 'falciform' (banana-shaped) gametocytes.

Banana shape gametocytes

Vivax malaria

The more common, vivax malaria, is diagnosed by its trophozoites and schizonts in blood. In peripheral smears, they might be found in abudance, or be quite rare.

Schizont

Florette shaped trophozoite

The parasite should not be confused with white blood cells or platelets.