Urinary schistosomiasis: an uncommon cause of gross hematuria in the industrialized countries

Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease that can cause significant illness in humans. While schistosomiasis is not found in the United States and other developed countries, 200 million people are infected worldwide. It is estimated that 400,000 infected persons immigrate to the United States and present to emergency departments with either acute or chronic schistosomiasis. Schistosomiasis can be expected to be seen with increasing frequency in the United States and other developed countries with the continuing influx of immigrants, as well as the return of travelers and soldiers from endemic areas. Although there are several etiologies of gross hematuria in children, schistosomiasis is an uncommon cause of gross hematuria in the industrialized world. The purpose of this report is to bring awareness to health-care providers in the United States and other developed countries of this uncommon cause of gross hematuria, as prompt diagnosis and treatment can result in quick resolution of symptoms.