P. malariae

P. malariae

P. malariae is endemic to Africa, Southeast Asia, Oceania, and South America. It usually causes a relatively mild illness with relatively low parasitemia. Morphologically, it has a characteristic band form. P. knowlesi may resemble P. malariae in the non-ring forms.

Peripheral blood film of a patient with P. malariae. Low parasite burden with affected RBC having 1 ring, centrally located. RBC are normocytes.

Peripheral blood film of a patient with P. malariae. There are rare gematocytes seen in this film.