This is a Schistosoma hematobium egg at higher magnification. In this species, the eggs are large and have a prominent terminal spine at the posterior end, whereas the egg of S. japonicum is typically oval or subspherical, and has a vestigial spine.

Another type of Schistosome is S. Mansonii. To see its egg, go here

You can read more about human disease cause by trematodes here

 

  • S. mansonii
     

    Causes hematuria

    Eggs are excreted in urine

    Infection is acquired in via skin penetration

    Found only in the Far East

    Induces strong protective cell-mediated immunity.
 

 

  • S. hematobium
     

    Causes bloody diarrhea

    Eggs are found in stool specimens

    Induces a strong cell-mediated immunity

    Infection is acquired by the oro-fecal route

    Infection is a major risk factor for bladder cancers in some Middle Eastern countries
 

 

Go to another image of S. hematobium here