The gametocytes of Plasmodium malariae are compact and tend to fill the host RBC. There is no enlargement of the infected RBC and sometimes there is a reduction in size. The cytoplasm stains blue and the chromatin pink to red. There is abundant dark pigment that may be scattered throughout the cytoplasm.
Schizonts of P. malariae have 6-12 (usually 8-10) merozoites, often arranged in a rosette or irregular cluster.
Images courtesy of the CDC.
