Enterobius vermicularis infection among appendectomy specimens in Qom Province, Central Iran: a retrospective study

Abstract

The role of parasites in the pathogenesis of appendicitis has long been discussed. Enterobius vermicularis (E. vermicularis) is the most common parasitic worm found in the removed appendices. The main objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of parasitic infections among appendectomy specimens in Qom Province, Central Iran. This retrospective study was conducted at Nekoii Hospital of Qom City, from 21 March 2005 to 19 March 2016 (11-year period). The histopathology reports and recorded demographic data concerning 13,744 performed appendectomies were reviewed and then extracted using a structured template form. Out of the 13,744 surgically removed appendices, E. vermicularis was observed in 31 (0.22%) specimens. A total of the patients having E. vermicularis infection, 21 (67.74%) were female and 22 (70.97%) were less than 15 years old. According to the histopathology examinations, the appendix tissue was inflamed only in 3 (9.68%) specimens infected with E. vermicularis worm. The obtained results indicate that the presence of E. vermicularis in the appendix lumen rarely causes inflammation, and in most cases can lead to clinical signs of appendiceal colic or symptoms mimicking acute appendicitis. Therefore, the parasitic infections should be considered in the differential diagnosis of appendicitis.

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