It is generally assumed that there are then one or more schizogonic cycles in the red blood cells before some of the merozoites from the erythrocytic schizonts grow into sexual forms, the gametocytes.

Over the following 48-72 h, merozoites differentiate into erythrocytic schizonts, each of which will release 16-32 merozoites into the blood stream, which can, in turn, enter more red blood cells.