Fig. 3
Proposed evolution of tetrad (Maltese cross) formation and disintegration. a A round shape central formation with four attached dark staining projections evolving to become the arms of the tetrad. b Tetrad with initial formation of individual nuclei. c Fully developed tetrad with prominent nuclei. d, e Deforming mature tetrads approaching disintegration and the detachment of four individual parasites. f Erythrocyte containing four individual slender parasites presumably resulting from disintegration of a tetrad. Modified Wright’s and quick Romanowsky staining. Scale-bars: 10 μm