Malaria infected blood. Coloured transmission electron micrograph of a section through erythrocytes (red blood cells) infected with the malaria parasite. Here, the parasites are seen as inclusions in the red blood cells (red). Two cells at centre are in the final schizont" stage. This stage is characterized by the division of the parasite into many (up to 24) merozoites which are released when the cell bursts. Malaria is a tropical disease which is caused by the parasitic protozoan Plasmodium gambiae and transmitted to humans by the mosquito Anopheles falciparum as it feeds on human blood. Magnification: x4,400 at 6x7cm size. x14,500 at 10x8""