Laboratory Diagnosis

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The page below is a sample from the LabCE course Parasitology Case Studies: Protozoa in Blood (by ASCLS). Access the complete course and earn ASCLS P.A.C.E.-approved continuing education credits by subscribing online.

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Laboratory Diagnosis

  • Microscopic examination of thick and thin blood smears stained with Giemsa or Wright stain
  • Typically Babesia is seen in patients whose CBC that has increased monocytes and decreased platelets
  • Very low levels of parasitemia may be detected by IFA or PCR

Microscopy

  • Blood smears show multiple rings per RBC
  • Rings are smaller and more pleomorphic that malaria
  • If confused with malaria, usually called P. falciparum
  • May form single rings, and doublets (rabbit ears) and tetrads as they mature,
  • No other stages of parasites are found in smears
CDC/ Dr. George Healy