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Malaria species identification — DTM&H MCQ

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HardMalariaMalaria species identificationDTM&H

A blood film from a febrile patient recently returned from South Korea shows ring-form trophozoites in normal-sized red cells with no Schüffner's dots at 0.2% parasitaemia. What is the most likely species?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: E — Plasmodium falciparum

Ring forms in normal-sized red cells without Schüffner's dots and low parasitaemia are most consistent with early P. falciparum. P. vivax and P. ovale enlarge infected red cells and show Schüffner's dots. P. malariae shows band forms and infects normal or small cells. Morphology trumps geography in species identification, though the geographic context provides important clinical context.

Reference: Manson's Tropical Diseases; WHO Malaria Microscopy Manual