Incidental parasitic infections in surgically removed appendices: a retrospective analysis

ABSTRACT

Numerous parasitic infections can cause inflammation of the appendix and can mimic appendicitis clinically. The diagnosis is generally achieved only after surgery. However early diagnosis through stool examination may prevent life-threatening complications. This study investigated the presence of parasitic infections in surgically removed appendices as an etiology of acute appendicitis. A retrospective study included patients who had undergone surgery for acute appendicitis over a period of three years from Jan 2012 to Dec 2014. Demographic data, laboratory investigations, operative data and pathological findings, presence and type of parasites were retrieved. The results showed that out of 1536 patients with appendectomy done, 938 [61.1%] were males and 598 [38.9%] were females. Parasitic infection was demonstrated only in 0.4% [6 patients]. Mean average age of these patients was 12 years. Enterobius vermicularis was present in 4 patients [66% of the parasitic affection] and Schistosoma mansoni in 2 patients [34% of the parasitic affection]. Other etiologies were acute suppurative appendicitis [94.1%], chronic appendicitis [3.1%], tumors [0.3%], tuberculosis [0.2%] and actinomycosis [0.1%]. Appendix was found normal in 2% of patients underwent appendectomy