Schistosomiasis of the appendix in a tertiary hospital in northern Nigeria: a 22-year review.
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.


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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Department of Pathology, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Kaduna, Nigeria.
Saad A
SA
Ahmed
Department of Pathology, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Kaduna, Nigeria.
Umar
U
Mohammed
Department of Surgery, Acute Care and Emergency Surgical Service, Peter Lougheed Center, Calgary General Hospital, Calgary, AB, Canada.
Robert B
RB
Sanda
Department of Surgery, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Kaduna, Nigeria.
Jerry
J
Makama
Department of Pathology, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Kaduna, Nigeria.
Mohammed S
MS
Shehu
Department of Surgery, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Kaduna, Nigeria.
Emmanuel A
EA
Ameh
Department of Pathology, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Kaduna, Nigeria.
Ahmed A
AA
Mayun
Appendicitis; Nigeria; schistosomiasis