Parasitology: Schistosoma haematobium: practice question

A Microbiology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Microbiology · Parasitology: Schistosoma haematobium

Sample item

A 25-year-old student returns from a trip to Africa where he swam in freshwater lakes. He has terminal haematuria, and urine shows eggs with a terminal spine. Which long-term complication is he at risk of if untreated?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

C. Squamous cell carcinoma of the bladder

Schistosoma haematobium adults live in the vesical venous plexus, and eggs with a terminal spine provoke granulomas, fibrosis and calcification of the bladder wall. Chronic infection predisposes to squamous cell carcinoma of the bladder, as well as obstructive uropathy. Praziquantel is the drug of choice.

Option by option

  • A. Renal cell carcinoma

    Renal cell carcinoma is not linked to schistosomiasis.

  • B. Colonic adenocarcinoma

    Colonic cancer is not an established complication of S. haematobium.

  • C. Squamous cell carcinoma of the bladder (correct)

    Correct. Chronic urinary schistosomiasis is linked to bladder squamous carcinoma.

  • D. Cholangiocarcinoma

    Cholangiocarcinoma is associated with Clonorchis and Opisthorchis infection.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Microbiology question

What is the answer to this Microbiology question?

The best answer is C, Squamous cell carcinoma of the bladder. Schistosoma haematobium adults live in the vesical venous plexus, and eggs with a terminal spine provoke granulomas, fibrosis and calcification of the bladder wall.

Why is "Renal cell carcinoma" not the answer?

Renal cell carcinoma is not linked to schistosomiasis.

Why is "Colonic adenocarcinoma" not the answer?

Colonic cancer is not an established complication of S. haematobium.

Why is "Cholangiocarcinoma" not the answer?

Cholangiocarcinoma is associated with Clonorchis and Opisthorchis infection.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Parasitology: Schistosoma haematobium in Microbiology. Chronic infection predisposes to squamous cell carcinoma of the bladder, as well as obstructive uropathy. Praziquantel is the drug of choice.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Parasitology: Schistosoma haematobium?

Make a one-line identity card for each organism: shape and stain, defining test, toxin, disease and drug. Then use the flashcards and the other Microbiology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.