This thin film Giemsa stained micrograph depicts both a mature, and immature Plasmodium vivax schizont.

As the parasite increases in size, the ring morphology disappears, and becomes what is referred to as a mature trophozoite, which undergo further transformation maturing into schizonts that eventually rupture, releasing blood borne infective merozoites.

Content Providers(s): CDC/ Steven Glenn, Laboratory Training & Consultation Division