13 Parasitic Appendicitis

The etiologic factors and the incidence of appendicitis differ from country to country.(Francis et al, 1992; Jones et al, 1985) In this chapter, we discuss parasitic appendicitis. Enterobious vermicularis and Tenia sp are frequently found in the appendectomy specimens in Izmir, Turkey. Other parasites include: Trichuris trichiura, Schistosoma haematobium, Schistosoma mansoni, Ascaris lumbricoides, Entamoeba histolytica which are reported in different city and countries. (Okolie et al, 2008; Pasupati et al, 2008; Terada et al, 2009 ) . It is important to understand about parasitic appendicitis for both local populations at risk and for travelers. This chapter asks if the incidence of parasitic appendicitis be reduced with preventive medicine? Whenever parasites are found at an appendicectomy antiparasitic treatments are necessary and the rest of the immediate family should be treated. Education about hand washing, hygiene, cooking and animal management may be required.