Parasitosis in appendectomy cases

Abstract

Aim: Obstruction of lumen of appendix vermiformis causes inflammation and requires surgery. The study aimed to detect any parasitosis in appendiceal specimens brought to pathology laboratory. Method: A total 916 appendectomy specimens from Faculty of Medicine at Inonu University between 2002 and 2005 were examined for inflammation and luminal parasitosis. Result: Adult worms and eggs of Enterobius vermicularis were detected in 23 (2.5%) of all cases, while Taenia spp. were found in only 2 (0.2%) cases. Also parasites were found in 8 of (2.0%) of 391 construction appendicitis, and in 5 (1.3%) of 384 acute appendicitis cases. Moreover, plasma cells and polymorphonuclear leukocytes were observed, respectively, in 18, and 2 of Appendix vermiformis cases with parasite. Eosinophils in lamina propria were detected in all cases. Conclusion: Therefore, the intestinal parasitosis should be considered in the differential diagnoses of appendicitis. Education on how to prevent parasitosis should be included in training programs to avoid any unnecessary surgery.