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[Appendicitis: microbial interactions and new pathogens]
D Dionisio1, A Belli, A Dionisio
1Divisione Malattie infettive, Policlinico Careggi, Firenze.
Abstract:
The Authors present an exhaustive review on microbial agents of appendicitis by means of literature and personal research data. Thus, a detailed analysis is made on common autochthonous agents and their pathogenetic interactions and on less common exogenous bacterial, viral, mycotic, protozoan and helminthic agents with emphasis to the role of Yersinia enterocolitica. In fact this bacterium seems responsible for 3% to 8% of cases in accordance with literature and personal research data (more detailed, Y. enterocolitica has been isolated in 3.8% of 208 inflamed appendices from both pediatric and adults surgical florentine patients). At the end, the pathogenetic role of "new" other bacteria, like Buttiauxella agrestis, Aeromonas hydrophila, Arizona, Streptococcus lactis, is debated on the basis of a personal study.
Insights
This review details microbial causes of appendicitis, highlighting common and rare agents. Yersinia enterocolitica is a significant bacterial cause, identified in 3.8% of Florentine appendicitis cases.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Appendicitis is commonly caused by autochthonous microorganisms.
- Exogenous agents, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, and helminths, can also cause appendicitis.
- The specific microbial etiology of appendicitis requires comprehensive investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct an exhaustive review of microbial agents responsible for appendicitis.
- To analyze the pathogenetic interactions of common and less common microbial agents.
- To evaluate the role of specific bacteria, such as Yersinia enterocolitica, in appendicitis.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of microbial agents of appendicitis.
- Analysis of personal research data on microbial isolates from inflamed appendices.
- Bacteriological isolation and identification from surgical specimens.
Main Results:
- Common autochthonous agents and their pathogenetic roles were analyzed.
- Less common exogenous agents, including bacterial, viral, mycotic, protozoan, and helminthic agents, were detailed.
- Yersinia enterocolitica was identified as a significant agent, implicated in 3% to 8% of cases, and isolated in 3.8% of Florentine patients.
- The pathogenetic role of emerging bacteria like Buttiauxella agrestis, Aeromonas hydrophila, Arizona, and Streptococcus lactis was debated.
Conclusions:
- Microbial agents play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of appendicitis.
- Yersinia enterocolitica is a notable bacterial cause of appendicitis.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the role of newly identified bacteria in appendicitis.