Mycoplasma infection, llama RBCs

Photomicrograph of a peripheral blood smear from a llama with hemotropic mycoplasmosis. Mycoplasma haemolamae appear as blue-staining coccoid or ringlet forms singularly or in clusters or chains on the erythrocyte membrane. Cytologic examination has low sensitivity for detection of hemoplasmas. Artifact such as stain precipitate, basophilic stippling, or Howell-Jolly bodies can result in false positives. Commercial Romanowsky stain variant; camelid RBCs diameter = 7–8 mcm along the major axis.