Plasmodium falciparum

Bacteria. Cluster of bacteria in polymorphonuclear leukocyte (Wright's stain, oil immersion). Neutrophils that contain intracytoplasmic bacteria can occasionally be found in blood smears. In this thin blood smear from a patient who had a central catheter in place, several cocci are seen in a neutrophil. Neutrophils that contain phagocytized malaria pigment can be found in Plasmodium falciparum; however, malaria pigment is readily distinguishable from these round cocci.