Meanwhile, we recently evaluated a DNA-based diagnostic
method by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting
the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA)
genes of all four species of human malaria as reported (8).
Ten isolates each for P. falciparum, P. vivax, and P. malariae
and four isolates of P. ovale were used as positive controls.
Results showed that all isolates gave concordant
positive PCR products with those diagnosed by microscopy
except an isolate from this patient (data not shown).
Retrospective examination of blood smears has shown several
developmental stages of malaria parasites similar to
those typically seen in P. malariae. However, some erythrocytes
that harbored mature asexual parasites possessed
fimbriated margins. The cytoplasm of some young