Plasmodium ovale also only infects reticulocytes. Despite being clinically similar to P. vivax infections, P. ovale malaria is usually less severe, relapses less frequently, and usually ends with spontaneous recovery. Relapses can occur as early as 17 days after treatment of the initial attack to as late as 255 days.
The incubation period of P. vivax is similar to that of P. vivax but with lower frequency and severity of symptoms. Anemia is mild, and there is potential for central nervous system involvement. Parasitemia is limited to around 2 to 4%.
