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CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 · J Lab Physicians 2014; 6(01): 018-021
DOI: 10.4103/0974-2727.129085
Original Article

Schistosomiasis of the Appendix in a Tertiary Hospital in Northern Nigeria: A 22-Year Review

Saad A Ahmed
Department of Pathology, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Kaduna, Nigeria
,
Umar Mohammed
Department of Pathology, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Kaduna, Nigeria
,
Robert B Sanda
Department of Surgery, Acute Care and Emergency Surgical Service, Peter Lougheed Center, Calgary General Hospital, Calgary, AB, Canada
,
Jerry Makama
Department of Surgery, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Kaduna, Nigeria
,
Mohammed S Shehu
Department of Pathology, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Kaduna, Nigeria
,
Emmanuel A Ameh
Department of Surgery, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Kaduna, Nigeria
,
Ahmed A Mayun
Department of Pathology, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Kaduna, Nigeria
› Author Affiliations Source of Support: Nil.
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ABSTRACT

Background: Schistosomiasis is one of the neglected tropical diseases caused by a trematode, Schistosoma spp, and affects many systems in the body including the gastrointestinal tract. Schistosomiasis of the appendix is a well-recognized disease and presents as a chronic granulomatous inflammation. This study aims to document the frequency and pattern of distribution of schistosomal appendicitis in our environment.

Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective histopathological review of schistosomiasis of the appendix in the Department of Pathology, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria - Nigeria, between January 1, 1991 to December 31, 2012.

Results: Within the study period, there were 1,464 appendectomy specimens histologically examined in the Pathology Laboratory. Thirty of these, representing 2.1%, were diagnosed as schistosomiasis of the appendix. The male:female ratio was 6.5:1 and peak age incidence was in the 20-29 years age group. Abdominal pains, vomiting and fever were seen in 23 (76.7%) and altered bowel motion in seven (23.3%) patients.

Conclusion: This study showed that schistosomiasis of the appendix is not rare and that its presentation is similar to other forms of appendicitis. There is a need to focus on the prevention of schistosomiasis in order to reduce morbidity among these economically viable age groups.

Key words:

Appendicitis - Nigeria - schistosomiasis


Publication History

Article published online:
19 April 2020

© 2014.

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