Differential Diagnosis for Worm in Urine
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Schistosomiasis: This is the most likely diagnosis because Schistosoma haematobium is a parasitic worm that specifically infects the urinary tract, causing symptoms such as hematuria and dysuria, and can be found in the urine.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Filariasis: While less common than schistosomiasis in causing urinary symptoms, certain filarial parasites like Wuchereria bancrofti can lead to urinary manifestations, including the presence of microfilariae in the urine.
- Ascariasis: Although Ascaris lumbricoides primarily infects the intestines, in rare cases, the worm can migrate to other parts of the body, including the urinary tract, potentially appearing in the urine.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Echinococcosis: Hydatid disease, caused by Echinococcus granulosus, can lead to cyst formation in various organs, including the kidneys. While rare, a ruptured cyst can lead to severe consequences, making it crucial not to miss this diagnosis.
- Cysticercosis: Caused by the pork tapeworm (Taenia solium), cysticercosis can affect various parts of the body, including the urinary system. The presence of cysts in the kidneys or bladder can lead to serious complications if not treated.
- Rare diagnoses
- Dioctophyma renale: Also known as the giant kidney worm, this parasite is rare in humans but can infect the kidneys and potentially be found in the urine.
- Sparganosis: Caused by the sparganum, a larval form of a diphyllobothriid tapeworm, this infection is rare and can affect various parts of the body, including the urinary system, though it is exceedingly uncommon.