Schistosomiasis as a Cause of Acute Appendicitis in Non-Endemic Areas

Appendiceal Schistosomiasis Presenting as an Appendiceal Mass

“…Even though it can cause acute appendicitis, the diagnosis can only be reliably confirmed after a histologic examination of the resected appendix. [ 1 14 15 ] Two types and pathogenic pathways of schistosomal appendicitis have been described. “Granulomatous acute appendicitis” is caused by an immunological granulomatous reaction to newly deposited ova, with tissue necrosis and eosinophilia occurring early in the infection, usually within days to weeks.…”

“…“Granulomatous acute appendicitis” is caused by an immunological granulomatous reaction to newly deposited ova, with tissue necrosis and eosinophilia occurring early in the infection, usually within days to weeks. [ 1 14 15 ] On the other hand “obstructive acute appendicitis” is caused by long-standing inflammation and fibrosis around dead schistosoma eggs, leading to obstruction of the appendiceal lumen, increasing the risk of infection from faecal contaminants and occurring in the late phase of schistosomiasis, usually after several months or years. [ 1 14 15 ]…”

“…[ 1 14 15 ] On the other hand “obstructive acute appendicitis” is caused by long-standing inflammation and fibrosis around dead schistosoma eggs, leading to obstruction of the appendiceal lumen, increasing the risk of infection from faecal contaminants and occurring in the late phase of schistosomiasis, usually after several months or years. [ 1 14 15 ]…”

“…Schistosomiasis has been noted to be one of the most widespread parasitic diseases in the world with estimates of at least 236.6 million people worldwide requiring preventive treatment for the condition in 2019 alone, out of which more than 105.4 million people were reported to have been treated. [ 1 2 3 4 5 ] Known by several other names including Bilharziasis, Bilharziosis and Snail-water disease, this infestation is caused by trematodes of the Schistosoma species. It is commonest in developing countries, especially those in the tropical regions of the world and 85% of the infections have been reported in Sub-Saharan Africa alone, lending credence to the assertion that the infestation occurs in well-defined endemic areas also called the Bilharziasis belts.…”

Dynamical Analysis of a <i>Schistosomiasis japonicum</i> Model with Time Delay

“…In 2004, WHO suggested that there were 200 million individuals infected worldwide [1]. However, today, more than 207 million people, 85% of whom live in Africa, are infected with schistosomiasis [2], and the estimated 700 million people are at risk of infection in 76 countries where the disease is considered endemic, as their agricultural work, domestic chores, and recreational activities expose them to infested water [2] [3]. Globally, 200,000 deaths are attributed to schistosomiasis annually [4].…”