Schistosomiasis and Appendicitis

Abstract

Letters to the EditorSchistosomiasis and Appendicitis Abdel Mageed M. ImamMBBS, MSc, DTM&H Abdel Mageed M. Imam Laboratory Department (Parasitology Division), King Faisal Hospital, P.O. Box 146, Taif, Saudi Arabia Search for more papers by this author Published Online:1 Jul 1996https://doi.org/10.5144/0256-4947.1996.477SectionsPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload citationTrack citations ShareShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditEmail AboutIntroductionTo the Editor: I have read with interest the paper entitled “Schistosomal Appendicitis” by Dr. Abu-Eshy and associates, which appeared in the Annals (1995;15:347-9). It was recommended that “for all post-appendectomy patients living in or coming from endemic areas of schistosomiasis, the results of the histopathology study should be processed as early as possible and before the patient can be discharged so that the treatment can be commenced.”I think antischistosomiasis treatment is indicated only when there is evidence of active infection, and such evidence is usually not available from histopathology examination. Examination of fresh rectal snips for viable schistosome ova, using direct microscopy, is a useful test to confirm active schistosomiasis. It is also helpful to look for rising antischistosomiasis titer by a serologic test such as the indirect hemagglutination method. It is true that the clinician may judge it wise to give treatment in some situations, but I do not agree that antischistosomiasis treatment should be given to all post-appendectomy cases of schistosomal etiology on grounds of histologic evidence. Previous article Next article FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 16, Issue 4July 1996 Metrics History Published online1 July 1996 InformationCopyright © 1996, Annals of Saudi MedicinePDF download