Erythrocytes maintain regular shape and size. P.falciparum trophozoites, thin smear, Giemsa stain. P.falciparum , thin smear, Giemsa stain. Microgametocytes have a diffuse chromatin, while macrogametocytes have thickened chromatin. Microgametocyte, Giemsa thin smear.
Trophozoites have a ring or comma shape, with one or two dots of chromatin.
The pigment, when present, is compact. Maurer's clefts are not visible. Microgametocyte, Giemsa thick smear. Acridine Orange stain. The development to mature schizont in presence of therapeutic levels of the drug demonstrates resistance of the isolate.