Schistosoma haematobium is a parasitic blood fluke responsible for urinary schistosomiasis, a form of schistosomiasis that primarily affects the urinary system. This parasite is transmitted through exposure to freshwater containing larvae (cercariae) released from infected snails. The larvae penetrate human skin and eventually migrate to the blood vessels surrounding the bladder, where they mature into adult worms.
Urinary schistosomiasis is characterized by the presence of blood in the urine (hematuria), especially at the end of urination. The eggs produced by adult worms can become lodged in the bladder wall, causing inflammation, scarring, and damage to the urinary tract. Over time, chronic infection can lead to more serious complications such as bladder fibrosis, kidney damage, and an increased risk of bladder cancer.
Diagnosis is typically made by detecting the parasite’s eggs in urine samples or through blood tests. The preferred treatment is praziquantel, an antiparasitic medication that effectively kills the adult worms.
Preventive measures include avoiding contact with contaminated freshwater, improving sanitation, and controlling the snail population in endemic areas.
