Figures & data
Figure 1. The five morphologically distinct stages (I – V) of P. falciparum gametocytes in giemsa stained, methanol fixed blood films. Early subpellicular cytoskeleton formation in stage II results in D-shaped parasites that enlarge in stage III to slightly distend the erythrocyte. Dramatic elongation and pointed ends characterize stage IV gametocytes that ultimately mature into stage V gametocytes. Characteristic morphology of this final stage includes an elongated parasite with rounded ends and a length to width ratio of ∼3:1. Dark pigmented hemozoin crystals are present in multiple gametocyte developmental stages, and are generated from the biocrystallization of hematin, a toxic intermediate derived from the parasite digestion of hemoglobin.
Figure 2. Illustration of the architecture of the cutaneous microcirculation and the fascicle of a biting anopheline mosquito. The vessel diameters of the arterioles, collecting venules, terminal arterioles, and capillary loops are denoted along with the fascicle length and width.
