P. vivax and P. ovale

P. vivax and P. ovale

P. Vivax is endemic in the tropics, including Africa, Asia, the South Pacific, and Central and South America. P. ovale is endemic to tropical western Africa.

The life cycles of P. vivax and P. ovale include hypnozoites and this can be dormant in the liver and subsequently reactivate after initial infection resulting in relasping disease.

Morphologically, both has larger than normal RBC size of infected cells, due to the preference of infection of reticulocytes.

P. ovale is usually also oval in shape with fimbriated ends.

Peripheral blood film of a patient with P. vivax.

Peripheral blood film of a patient with P. ovale. The parasite burden is very low. RBC are slightly macrocytic and oval-shaped.

Other Resources

• ASH image bank: P. Vivax