Schistosoma haematobium (S. haematobium)

Schistosoma haematobium is a parasitic trematode and the primary causative agent of urinary schistosomiasis, affecting millions worldwide, particularly in Africa and the Middle East (CDC, 2023). Unlike other schistosome species that inhabit the mesenteric veins, S. haematobium resides in the venous plexuses surrounding the urinary bladder. The clinical manifestations are primarily caused by the host's granulomatous immune response to eggs trapped in the bladder wall and ureters, which can lead to chronic inflammation, hematuria, and obstructive uropathy (WHO, 2024). Long-term infection is strongly associated with the development of squamous cell carcinoma of the bladder, making it a significant oncogenic parasite (IARC, 2012). Praziquantel is the primary therapeutic agent used to treat infections, acting by disrupting calcium homeostasis in the adult worms, though it does not effectively target the egg stage (NIH, 2022). Because this entry refers to a whole organism rather than a specific protein or receptor, it is classified as a biological entity rather than a molecular target.

Other names

Urinary blood flukeBilharzia

Praziquantel increases the permeability of the parasite cell membranes to calcium ions, resulting in contraction, paralysis, and tegumental disintegration (PubChem, 2024).