blood fluke

FlukeEggs of the blood fluke Schistosoma haematobium become embedded in the bladder wall, triggering chronic inflammation, tissue damage, and genetic mutations that fuel the development of bladder cancer.

blood fluke, any of certain parasitic flatworms that live in the veins of the host organism. See fluke.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Amy Tikkanen.
Citation Information
Article Title: blood fluke
Website Name: Encyclopaedia Britannica
Publisher: Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc.
Date Published: 17 September 2010
Access Date: December 26, 2025