Which parasites would show inclusions on peripheral smear?

The presence of inclusions on a peripheral blood smear is characteristically associated with malaria, specifically due to the presence of Plasmodium species. When a blood smear is examined under a microscope, the pathogens invade red blood cells, leading to the formation of characteristic parasites that may appear as inclusions within the cells. These inclusions are often visible as ring forms, trophozoites, or schizonts during different stages of the parasite’s lifecycle.

In malaria, these inclusions can also be observed alongside red blood cell changes and pigment (hemozoin) resultant from the digestion of hemoglobin by the parasite. This distinct appearance allows for the diagnosis of malaria when the smear is evaluated.

In contrast, other options like toxoplasmosis, schistosomiasis, and filariasis do not produce similar inclusions in peripheral blood smears. Toxoplasmosis typically involves tissue forms or serological testing for diagnosis. Schistosomiasis involves eggs or larvae predominantly found in stool or urine rather than in the bloodstream. Filariasis, caused by various filarial worms, is identified through detecting microfilariae in blood smears but does not present with the same type of identifiable inclusions typical of malaria.

Thus, the identification