Erythrocytic Cycle
This stage occurs in the red cells of the blood:
- Merozoites invade erythrocytes
- Trophozoites grow in red cells to form more schizonts (asexual reproduction) or gametocytes (sexual reproduction)
- Schizonts rupture and release more merozoites (asexual) or mosquitoes take gametocytes in next blood meal
This phase of infection repeats itself, unlike the exo-erythrocytic cycle.
Clinical symptoms don't manifest until haemolysis begins to occur.
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