Group: Group 3 - Lab 1 Course & Schedule: BS BIO 4A

(MedPara-Tuesday/Friday-1-4PM
Student’s Name: Bayo, Amir G. Date Performed: November 6, 2022
Bangah, Ezekiel Meego B Date Submitted: November 8, 2022
Domingo, Ivan Jay M.
Jacalan Mary Jane T.
Jaiyari, Al Ahmad B.
Kibong Prinze Rhadeen A

BLOOD PARASITES
Activity # 7

Objective:
1. Identify malarial parasites in thin and thick blood films.
2. Illustrate the appearance of the various
3. Familiarize the appearance of the various stages of parasites in peripheral thick blood films.
4. Familiarize the appearance of the various stages of parasites in peripheral thin blood films.

Introduction:

Blood parasites are organisms that live in the blood of their animal hosts. These parasites can range
from single-celled protozoa to more complex bacteria and rickettsiae. The method of transmission varies,
depending on the parasite, but often they are transmitted through the bites of ticks or flies. Examples of
parasitic diseases that can be bloodborne include African trypanosomiasis, babesiosis, Chagas disease,
leishmaniasis, malaria, and toxoplasmosis. In nature, many bloodborne parasites are spread by insects
(vectors), so they are also referred to as vector-borne diseases.

Malaria parasites are micro-organisms that belong to the genus Plasmodium. There are more than 100
species of Plasmodium, which can infect many animal species such as reptiles, birds, and various mammals.
Because the malaria parasite is found in red blood cells of an infected person, malaria can also be transmitted
through blood transfusion, organ transplant, or the shared use of needles or syringes contaminated with blood.
Four species of Plasmodium have long been recognized to infect humans in nature. Plasmodium falciparum,
P. vivax, P. ovale, and P. malariae.
Procedure:
Using the internet, research the different stages of development of the various malaria-causing
parasites, such as P. vivax, P. ovale, P. malariae, and P. falciparum.

Illustrate the different stages of development of each different Plasmodium spp.

Discuss each respective Plasmodium spp.

Paraphrase and check for plagiarism

List the references used in the activity

Kindly Illustrate the stages of development of the following parasites that causes malaria.
Fig. 9. A. Plasmodium falciparum (Thin Blood Film)

Early Trophozoites Late Trophozoites Schizonts Gametocytes

Fig. 9. B. Plasmodium falciparum (Thick Blood Film)

Early Trophozoites Late Trophozoites Schizonts Gametocytes

Discussion

Plasmodium falciparum is a unicellular protozoan parasite of humans, and the deadliest species of
Plasmodium that causes malaria in humans. The parasite is transmitted through the bite of a female Anopheles
mosquito and causes the disease's most dangerous form, falciparum malaria. It is responsible for around 50%
of all malaria cases. The particular virulence of this species derives from its ability to subvert the physiology
of its host during the blood stages of its development. The parasite grows and divides within erythrocytes,
feeding on the hemoglobin, and remodeling its host cells so they adhere to blood vessel walls. The advent of
molecular transfection technology, coupled with optical microscopy of fluorescent protein reporters, has
greatly improved our understanding of the ways in which the malaria parasite alters its host cell.

Fig. 10. A. Plasmodium vivax (Thin Blood Film)

Early Trophozoites Late Trophozoites Schizonts Gametocytes

Fig.10. B. Plasmodium vivax (Thick Blood Film)

Early Trophozoites Late Trophozoites Schizonts Gametocytes

Discussion:

Plasmodium vivax is a blood parasite of the genus Plasmodium. It is one of the species that are
considered true parasites of humans, as they utilize humans almost exclusively as a natural intermediate host.
Besides, Plasmodium vivax is the most common species of malaria parasite in Asia and America but is much
less common in Africa. The most distinctive features of P. vivax are the enlarged infected erythrocytes and
the appearance of granules, called 'Schüffner's dots', over the erythrocyte cytoplasm. The different figures
show P. vivax in different stages from an infected red cell down to gametocytes in both thin and thick blood
film. First, the infected red cell of P.vivax has enlarged schuffner’s dots present. P. vivax trophozoites show
amoeboid cytoplasm and large chromatin dots. Where in the early trophozoite, it has seen as a quite large one
or two chromatin dots that may have two rings per red blood cell. In late trophozoite, large amoeboid
cytoplasm is seen as they develop. P. vivax schizonts are large, have 12 to 24 merozoites, coalesced pigment,
and may fill the red blood cell. Lastly, P. vivax gametocytes are round to oval and may almost fill the RBC.
The only difference in the figures shown on the different stages of P. vivax is the morphological features seen.
Wherein thick blood films lyse the RBC which allows more efficient detection of parasites (increased
sensitivity) since they examine a larger sample of blood.

Fig. 11. A. Plasmodium malariae (Thin Blood Film)

Early Trophozoites Late Trophozoites Schizonts Gametocytes

Fig. 11.B. Plasmodium malariae (Thick Blood Film)

Early Trophozoites Late Trophozoites Schizonts Gametocytes

Discussion:

Malaria (Plasmodium malariae) is a serious and sometimes fatal disease caused by a parasite that
commonly infects a certain type of mosquito which feeds on humans. Malaria often causes severe disease,
including high fevers, shivering chills, and flu-like symptoms. Humans are infected by Plasmodium
falciparum, P. vivax, P. ovale, and P. malariae, four different types of malaria parasites. Additionally, P.
knowlesi, a kind of malaria that infects macaques naturally in Southeast Asia, infects people as well, resulting
in malaria that is transferred from animal to human ("zoonotic" malaria). The kind of malaria known as P.
falciparum is the most likely to cause severe infections and, if untreated, may be fatal. Although malaria can
be a deadly disease, illness and death from malaria can usually be prevented.
Fig. 12. A. Plasmodium ovale (Thin Blood Film)

Early Trophozoites Late Trophozoites Schizonts Gametocytes

Fig. 12.B. Plasmodium ovale (Thick Blood Film)

Early Trophozoites Late Trophozoites Schizonts Gametocytes

Discussion:

Human tertian malaria is brought on by a kind of parasite protozoon called Plasmodium ovale. It is
one of several Plasmodium parasite species that affect people, including Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium
falciparum, which are the main causes of malaria around the globe. Red blood cells (RBCs) in P. ovale
infections can range from normal to slightly expanded (up to 1 1/4) in size, from round to oval, and
occasionally fimbriated. Previously thought to be a very uncommon cause of malaria, Plasmodium ovale has
lately been discovered to be a very widespread parasite in Africa. Two regions make up the distribution of this
species which are tropical Africa and islands in the western Pacific.
Table Species Identification of malaria parasites in Giemsa-stained thick blood films
Species Stage of parasites in Peripheral blood
TROPHOZOITE SCHIZONT GAMETOCYTE
Plasmodium Young,
falcifarum growing
Trophozoite
s & or
mature
gametocytes
usually
seen.

Plasmodium falcifarum

Illustration

Discussion

Plasmodium falciparum trophozoites are seldom seen in peripheral blood; compact cytoplasm; dark
pigment. The trophozoite stage of development is critical for the parasite to undergo morphological changes,
grow in size, and remodel the host red blood cell (RBC) to suit its development and release of new infectious
merozoite forms into circulation. At the schizont stage, the parasite replicates its DNA multiple times and multiple
mitotic divisions occur asynchronously. Plasmodium falciparum schizonts were defined as clustered malaria
pigment adjacent to two or more nuclei of P. falciparum in thick blood smears or QBC capillaries. They are
seldom seen in peripheral blood; mature = 8 to 24 small merozoites; dark pigment, clumped in one mass.
Compared to thin and thick blood smears QBC analysis is the most sensitive test to detect Plasmodium parasites.
Plasmodium falciparum gametocytes are crescent or sausage shape; chromatin in a single mass
(macrogametocyte) or diffuse (microgametocyte); dark pigment mass. P. falciparum gametocytes undergo a long
maturation period of 7 to 10 days during which they develop from stage I to stage V gametocytes.
Plasmodium All stages
vivax seen;
Schuffner’s
stippling in
; ghost’ of
host red
cells;especi
ally at film
edge.

Plasmodium vivax

Illustration

Discussion

Giemsa-stained thick blood smear of Plasmodium Vivax showing all stages of development in peripheral
blood. (A) In an enlarged red blood cell (RBC) with eosinophilic stippling (Schuffner's spots), an amoeboid
trophozoite is growing. (B) Both immature schizonts and mature schizonts with merozoites and clumped pigment
almost completely fill the expanded RBCs. (C) Gametocytes, primarily macrogametocytes with eccentric
compact chromatin and diffuse brown pigment.
All
Plasmodium
malariae All stages
seen

Plasmodium malariae

Illustration
Discussion
Plasmodium malariae is a parasitic protozoa that causes malaria in humans. It is one of several species of
Plasmodium parasites that infect humans. While found worldwide, it is a so-called "benign malaria" and is not
nearly as dangerous as the rest.

Plasmodium All stages

ovale seen;Promin
ent
Schuffner’s
stippling in
; ghost’ of
host red
cells;especi
ally at film
edge.
Plasmodium ovale

Illustration

Discussion
Plasmodium ovale was the rarest of all plasmodia infecting humans and is seen mostly in tropical Africa,
particularly along the West Coast. P. ovale rings have sturdy cytoplasm and large chromatin dots. P. ovale
trophozoites have sturdy cytoplasm, large chromatin dots, and can be compact to slightly irregular. P. ovale
gametocytes are round to oval and may almost fill the red blood cells. Moreover, P. ovale schizonts have 6 to 14
merozoites with large nuclei, clustered around.

Analysis Questions:

1. Among all the blood parasites, which among these are thriving along our place?

Malaria is a disease caused by a parasite. Through the bites of infected mosquitoes, the parasite is
transmitted to humans. The malaria parasite, which is spread by infected mosquitoes, multiplies inside red
blood cells after entering the human bloodstream. After a few days, these cells burst, infecting other red blood
cells and resulting in symptoms typically severe illness, including such as headache, nausea, vomiting, fever,
and coma. Malaria is still widespread in tropical and subtropical nations even if it is rare in regions with a
moderate environment. Over 400,000 individuals per year pass away from malaria, which affects close to 290
million people annually.

2. How virulent can these blood parasites can cause in the community?

By affecting host mortality, fertility, growth, nutritional condition, energy needs, and behavior,
parasites have a significant impact on host populations. The degree of damage a parasite does to its host, or
virulence is influenced by a number of evolutionary events. For instance, parasites like to use their hosts
sensibly in order to prolong infection and prevent host death. In order to replicate and spread diseases to new
hosts, parasites also need to use some host resources. Major changes in the competitive balance between host
and non-host species as a result of parasitism's effects on host growth, condition, and reproduction and
therefore it affects the community structure, vegetation zonation, and population dynamics.

Interpretation:

These organisms known as blood parasites are those that reside in the blood of their hosts. These
parasites might be anything from simple bacteria and rickettsiae to single-celled protozoa. The mode of
transmission varies depending on the parasite, however, tick or fly bites are a common way for them to spread.
African trypanosomiasis, babesiosis, Chagas disease, leishmaniasis, malaria, and toxoplasmosis are a few
examples of parasitic infections that can be transmitted through blood. They are often referred to as "vector-
borne illnesses" since, in nature, many bloodborne parasites are transmitted by insects (vectors). The parasites
that cause malaria are microscopic creatures from the genus Plasmodium. More than 100 different
Plasmodium species exist, and they can infect many different kinds of animals, including birds, reptiles, and
different kinds of mammals. Malaria can also be spread by blood transfusion, organ transplant, sharing needles
or syringes that have been contaminated with blood, and other methods because the malaria parasite is present
in the red blood cells of an infected individual. It has long been known that four different Plasmodium species
can infect people in the wild.

Plasmodium malariae is a parasitic protozoan that causes malaria in humans. It is one of several
species of Plasmodium parasites that infect other organisms as pathogens. They have compact cytoplasm and
a large chromatin dot. Occasional band forms and/or “basket” forms with coarse, dark-brown pigment can be
seen. Trophozoite in a thick blood smear. Band-form trophozoites in thin blood smears. Plasmodium vivax is
a protozoal parasite and a human pathogen. This parasite is the most frequent and widely distributed cause of
recurring malaria. P. vivax trophozoites show amoeboid cytoplasm, large chromatin dots, and fine, yellowish-
brown pigment. Schüffner's dots may appear finer in comparison to those seen in P. ovale. Plasmodium ovale
is a species of parasitic protozoon that causes tertian malaria in humans. It is one of several species of
Plasmodium parasites that infect humans. Ovale trophozoites have sturdy cytoplasm, large chromatin dots,
and can be compact to slightly irregular, also visible. Ring forms and develops trophozoites in thin blood
smears. Compact trophozoite in a fimbriated RBC in a thin blood smear. Finally, Plasmodium falciparum is
a unicellular protozoan parasite of humans and the deadliest species of Plasmodium that causes malaria in
humans. The parasite is transmitted through the bite of a female Anopheles mosquito and causes the disease's
most dangerous form, falciparum malaria. P. falciparum rings have delicate cytoplasm and one or two small
chromatin dots. RBCs that are infected are not enlarged; multiple infections of RBCs are more common in P.
falciparum than in other species.

Conclusion:

One of the most devastating infectious diseases that affect people is malaria. Given that it predominates
in less developed nations and areas and seriously hinders socioeconomic growth, it is a clinical and economic
concern. Plasmodium-family unicellular protozoan parasites are the primary cause of malaria. Other animals,
including birds, reptiles, and mammals are all susceptible to these parasites in addition to humans. Each of the
more than 200 Plasmodium species that have been formally characterized to date infects a particular spectrum
of hosts. An insect vector, often the mosquito, is required for Plasmodium species transmission between
vertebrate hosts. The parasite's growth in the insect is crucial for transmission to the subsequent vertebrate
host since the vector serves as both the definitive host and the location of sexual reproduction for Plasmodium
species. There are just four Plasmodium species that normally infect individuals and cause malaria in
significant portions of the world—P. vivax, P. malariae, P. ovale, and P. falciparum. With life phases ranging
from early trophozoites to late trophozoites, schizonts to gametocytes, these four types of plasmodia are
specific to humans.

As a result of both the parasites' nature and human activities, the relationship between humans and
Plasmodium remains dynamic. It should be possible to create a healthy global civilization by comprehending
the fundamental biology of the parasites that causes these changes and using that understanding to combat
malaria.
References

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CDC. (2022, March 22). CDC - Malaria - About Malaria - FAQs. Centers for Disease Control and
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Laboratory diagnosis of malaria. (2008).

https://www.cdc.gov/dpdx/resources/pdf/benchAids/malaria/Pfalciparum_benchaidV2.pdf

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