[Parasites in the Etiology of Pediatric Appendicitis]

Abstract

Objective: Appendicitis is the most common cause of operation in the children. Fekalit, lymphoid hyperplasia, parasites and foreign bodies are accused as the causes of appendicitis. In this study, we wanted to evaluate that the role of parasitic infections in pediatric appendicitis.

Methods: Histopathological results of the patients who underwent operations for acute appendicitis between January 2008 and 2014 were evaluated. The patients who have parasite in appendiceal specimens were detected and parasites were recorded.

Results: Fourteen of 846 patients underwent appendectomy, were classified as parasitic appendicitis. Enterobius vermicularis was observed in 12 and Taenia spp. was observed in 2 patients, Three children with appendicitis had parasitic infection in pathological examination. Two of them were Enterobius vermicularis, and one was Taenia spp.

Conclusion: Enterobius vermicularis is the most common parasites in appendiks. Parasites often cause abdominal pain at right lower quadrant without any inflammation in the appendiks. However, parasites are responsible for some appendicitis as an etiologic factor. In our study, 0.39% of patients with appendicitis, parasites were also detected. As a result, we think that right lower quadrant pain and the incidence of appendicitis will reduce by time with the diagnosis and treatment of parasites.