What is the primary method of diagnosing schistosomiasis?

The primary method of diagnosing schistosomiasis relies on examining urine for the presence of eggs, making urine examination the most direct and commonly utilized method in clinical settings. Schistosomiasis is caused by parasitic worms of the genus Schistosoma, and these worms produce eggs that are expelled in bodily fluids, most notably urine in the case of urinary schistosomiasis, and in stool for intestinal forms.

Urine examination is particularly significant because it allows for the identification of eggs of Schistosoma haematobium, the species most commonly associated with urinary schistosomiasis. This method is efficient, as the eggs can typically be detected in a sample of urine from an infected individual.

While stool examination is also a relevant method, particularly for diagnosing Schistosoma mansoni, the focus of the question is on the primary diagnosing method, which pertains to urinary schistosomiasis. Serological tests can aid in diagnosis, but they do not directly demonstrate the presence of the parasite's eggs, which is critical for confirming active infection. Blood cultures are not typically used in the diagnosis of schistosomiasis as they do not provide diagnostic information relevant to the parasitic infection.