Hematuria is a typical sign associated with infection by which parasite?

• A. Trypanosoma cruzi
• B. Trichinella spiralis
• C. Trichomonas vaginalis
• D. Schistosoma haematobium

Answer: (D)

Hematuria is most characteristic of urinary schistosomiasis caused by Schistosoma haematobium. The adult worms reside in the pelvic venous plexuses near the bladder and lay eggs that become lodged in the bladder wall. This egg deposition triggers a local granulomatous inflammatory response, producing irritation and bleeding into the urine, often appearing as terminal or intermittent blood in the voided urine. Chronic infection can lead to bladder wall damage, fibrosis, and an increased risk of bladder cancer.

The other parasites listed do not typically produce this urinary bleeding pattern. For example, Trypanosoma cruzi mainly causes cardiomyopathy and digestive tract problems; Trichinella spiralis causes muscle inflammation after eating undercooked meat; Trichomonas vaginalis causes vaginitis or urethritis with discharge and irritation rather than hematuria.