Which species of plasmodium contains multiple rings in the infected RBCs?
**Core Concept**
The question is testing the student's knowledge of the morphology of infected red blood cells (RBCs) in malaria caused by different species of Plasmodium. The correct answer is related to the presence of multiple rings, which is a characteristic feature of one of the Plasmodium species.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The Plasmodium species that contains multiple rings in the infected RBCs is Plasmodium ovale. This is because P. ovale has a unique feature of producing multiple ring forms, known as "ring forms" or "schizonts," which are characteristic of this species. The presence of multiple rings is a key diagnostic feature that helps distinguish P. ovale from other Plasmodium species. When P. ovale infects an RBC, it produces multiple rings that can be seen in the peripheral blood smear.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect because Plasmodium falciparum, the species responsible for the most severe form of malaria, typically has a single ring form in the infected RBC.
**Option B:** This option is incorrect because Plasmodium malariae, another species that causes malaria, typically has a characteristic "band form" in the infected RBC, but not multiple rings.
**Option C:** This option is incorrect because Plasmodium vivax, another species that causes malaria, typically has a characteristic "schizont" form in the infected RBC, but not multiple rings.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
When examining a peripheral blood smear for malaria, the presence of multiple rings in the infected RBCs is highly suggestive of Plasmodium ovale infection. This is an important diagnostic clue that can help differentiate P. ovale from other Plasmodium species.
**Correct Answer:** C.