What is the main symptom of schistosomiasis?

Schistosomiasis is primarily caused by parasitic flatworms of the genus Schistosoma, which enter the human body through the skin and migrate to various organs. The main symptoms depend on the specific type of Schistosoma involved and the organs affected. In cases of urinary schistosomiasis, which is commonly caused by Schistosoma haematobium, one of the hallmark symptoms is hematuria, or blood in the urine, along with irritation of the bladder. This condition arises as the parasites inhabit the urinary tract, causing inflammation and damage to the bladder lining.

While other symptoms such as fever, chills, rashes, itching, abdominal pain, and diarrhea can occur in schistosomiasis, they are often not the most distinguishing features when urinary involvement is present. Hematuria is particularly significant because it is a direct consequence of the parasites' presence in the urinary system, making it a critical symptom for diagnosis and understanding the disease's impact. This is why identifying hematuria and bladder irritation is central to recognizing schistosomiasis in affected individuals.