In urinary schistosomiasis due to Schistosoma haematobium, which finding is characteristic?

• A. Diarrhea
• B. Hematuria and eggs in urine; terminal spine
• C. Pyuria
• D. Abdominal pain

Answer: (B)

Urinary schistosomiasis caused by Schistosoma haematobium is defined by urinary tract involvement, where the infection leads to bleeding from the bladder. The most characteristic finding is hematuria, often visible or microhematuria, together with the presence of parasite eggs in the urine. A key diagnostic detail is that the eggs of Schistosoma haematobium have a terminal spine, a distinctive feature that helps confirm this species and differentiates it from others whose eggs have different shapes or spine locations. This combination—hematuria and eggs in urine with a terminal spine—is the classic hallmark. Diarrhea points to intestinal schistosomiasis, pyuria and abdominal pain are nonspecific and not defining for this infection.