Which Plasmodium species invades young red blood cells and shows visible stippling on infected cells?

Get ready for the CAMLPR Hematology Test. Use our quizzes, flashcards, and detailed explanations to enhance your understanding. Prepare confidently for your exam!

Multiple Choice

Which Plasmodium species invades young red blood cells and shows visible stippling on infected cells?

Reticulocyte preference combined with visible Schuffner's stippling on infected red blood cells is a classic clue for Plasmodium ovale (and also seen with Plasmodium vivax, which share this feature). The parasite targets young red cells (reticulocytes) and leaves a stippled appearance on the cell cytoplasm due to Schuffner’s dots. In contrast, Plasmodium falciparum invades red cells of all ages and lacks Schuffner's stippling, while Babesia shows features like the Maltese cross, not stippling. Thus, the described characteristics best point to Plasmodium ovale.

Reticulocyte preference combined with visible Schuffner's stippling on infected red blood cells is a classic clue for Plasmodium ovale (and also seen with Plasmodium vivax, which share this feature). The parasite targets young red cells (reticulocytes) and leaves a stippled appearance on the cell cytoplasm due to Schuffner’s dots. In contrast, Plasmodium falciparum invades red cells of all ages and lacks Schuffner's stippling, while Babesia shows features like the Maltese cross, not stippling. Thus, the described characteristics best point to Plasmodium ovale.

More practice questions