The effects of Schistosoma haematobium infestation on the vermiform appendix: the Nigerian experience

Abstract

In a prospective study of 518 consecutive appendices removed at surgery for symptomatic appendicitis, 32 appendices showed evidence of chronic Schistosoma haematobium appendicitis (a frequency of 6.2%). As the diagnosis can only be confirmed by histology of the removed appendix, the authors believe that in endemic areas chronic S. haematobium appendicitis may not be as rare as the few recorded cases would seem to suggest. Appendiceal mucosal ulceration with chronic inflammatory infiltration and fibrosis of the appendiceal wall leading to chronic appendicitis may be due to intense deposition of ova in the appendix wall, particularly the submucosa, by the adult worm.