Haematobium, also known as Schistosoma haematobium, is a species of parasitic flatworm commonly known as a blood fluke. It is a trematode belonging to the genus Schistosoma and is responsible for causing the disease schistosomiasis haematobium in humans.
Schistosomiasis haematobium is a neglected tropical disease prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, and parts of the Mediterranean basin. It is primarily transmitted through freshwater snails and human contact with contaminated water sources, such as rivers or lakes. The life cycle of haematobium involves multiple stages, with humans acting as the definitive host.
The adult female haematobium fluke resides in the veins around the bladder and releases numerous eggs into the urinary tract. These eggs pass out of the body through urine and contaminate the surrounding environment upon reaching freshwater. If the eggs come into contact with specific snail species, they hatch, releasing larvae known as miracidia, which subsequently develop into free-swimming cercariae. These cercariae actively seek out human hosts in the water, penetrate the skin, and enter the bloodstream. From there, they migrate to the bladder, mature into adult flukes, and continue the reproductive cycle.
The infection caused by haematobium results in a variety of symptoms, including urinary tract inflammation, bladder and ureteral wall fibrosis, and the potential for the development of serious complications such as bladder cancer, kidney damage, and infertility.
Prevention and control measures for haematobium primarily focus on improving access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene practices, as well as regular diagnosis, treatment of infected individuals, and administering preventive chemotherapy in high-risk areas.
