Erythrocyte Disorders: Smear Case 3: Intracellular RBC Inclusions
Intracellular RBC Inclusions-G6PD (continued)
G6PD deficiency occurs in the same geographic distribution as malaria. It has been theorized that enzyme deficient cells are more resistant to malarial parasites than normal cells.
When hemolysis is triggered, the appearance of the red blood cells is modulated by activity of the spleen.Spherocytes, schistocytes, and nucleated red blood cells may appear in the peripheral blood.Denatured hemoglobin removed by an active spleen may leave bite cells, identified by the arrows in this photomicrograph, suggesting the presence of G6PD deficiency.
