This is a real-world medical entrance exam question, please give the true answer based on the question and selection. Topic name: None, Subject name: Microbiology
A patient presents with fever. Peripheral smears shows band across the erythrocytes. Diagnosis is ? 
Select and explain. 
A. P Falciparum, B. P vivax, C. P ovate, D. P malariae
D: P malariae
Answer: D: P malariae 
Explanation: Ans. is 'd' i.e., P malariae Band across erythrocytes (band-form trophozoites) is characteristic of P malariae.