Unmasking Schistosomiasis in the Appendix: A Rare Cause of Acute Appendicitis

Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease primarily found in tropical and subtropical regions, where access to safe drinking water is limited and hygiene is often lacking. Although the involvement of the vermiform appendix is very rare, we report a case of a 40-year-old adult presenting with acute right iliac fossa pain, who underwent laparoscopic appendectomy. Histopathology revealed <i>Schistosoma</i> ova in the wall of the appendix, confirming schistosomiasis. This case highlights the importance of considering parasitic causes of appendicitis and the need for further management, especially in tropical and subtropical regions where parasitic infections are endemic. Since a complete blood count (CBC) is a standard blood test, eosinophilia may be suggestive of a parasitic cause of appendicitis, particularly in conjunction with a patient's history.

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Publication Details

Journal
Cureus
Published
2025-09-28
DOI
https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.93443
Primary Topic
Appendicitis Diagnosis and Management
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
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article

Unmasking Schistosomiasis in the Appendix: A Rare Cause of Acute Appendicitis

Mohammad A Alghadhban, Abdulaziz Alrubaiaan, Bader F. Alshamlan, Munirah O Alfouzan et al.
Cureus
Appendicitis Diagnosis and Management
article

Unmasking Schistosomiasis in the Appendix: A Rare Cause of Acute Appendicitis

Mohammad A Alghadhban, Abdulaziz Alrubaiaan, Bader F. Alshamlan, Munirah O Alfouzan, Fady F Nakhla
article en

Abstract

Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease primarily found in tropical and subtropical regions, where access to safe drinking water is limited and hygiene is often lacking. Although the involvement of the vermiform appendix is very rare, we report a case of a 40-year-old adult presenting with acute right iliac fossa pain, who underwent laparoscopic appendectomy. Histopathology revealed <i>Schistosoma</i> ova in the wall of the appendix, confirming schistosomiasis. This case highlights the importance of considering parasitic causes of appendicitis and the need for further management, especially in tropical and subtropical regions where parasitic infections are endemic. Since a complete blood count (CBC) is a standard blood test, eosinophilia may be suggestive of a parasitic cause of appendicitis, particularly in conjunction with a patient's history.

CureusVol. 17(9)
Kuwait Institute for Medical Specialization (KW), Ministry of Health (KW)
Openalex Percentile: Top 61%
Appendicitis Diagnosis and Management
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