Peripheral Blood Smear — Parasites

A 28-year-old woman from Kerala presents with progressive anaemia, jaundice, and dark urine for 3 weeks. Peripheral blood smear shows RBCs with intraerythrocytic parasites appearing as dots or stippling within the cytoplasm. Haemoglobin is 7.2 g/dL. What is the most appropriate immediate next step?

A 28-year-old woman from endemic West Bengal presents with recurrent fever, hepatosplenomegaly, and anaemia. Peripheral blood smear examination is performed. Which morphological feature on Giemsa stain best distinguishes *Trypanosoma brucei* from *Leishmania donovani*?

A 32-year-old male from rural Odisha presents with fever, chills, and hepatosplenomegaly for 2 weeks. Peripheral blood smear shows ring forms and Schüffner's stippling within RBCs. Which investigation is most appropriate to confirm the species of Plasmodium and guide antimalarial therapy?

A 28-year-old female from endemic region presents with abdominal pain, diarrhea, and eosinophilia (WBC 12,000/μL, eosinophils 18%). Stool examination reveals barrel-shaped eggs with mucoid plugs. What is the most appropriate investigation to confirm the diagnosis and assess severity?

A 28-year-old woman from endemic areas of West Bengal presents with progressive weakness, dyspnea, and palpitations over 3 weeks. She has a history of multiple blood transfusions 6 months ago. On examination, she is pale with tachycardia (HR 110/min) and hepatosplenomegaly. Hemoglobin is 6.2 g/dL with reticulocytosis. Peripheral blood smear shows intra-erythrocytic ring forms with a characteristic 'Maltese cross' appearance. What is the most likely diagnosis?