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Blastocystis hominis--an emerging and imitating cause of acute abdomen in children

Nesibe Andiran1, Ziya Cibali Acikgoz, Sadi Turkay

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Fatih University Hospital, 06540 Ankara, Turkey. nandiran@gmail.com

Journal of Pediatric Surgery
|July 26, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Blastocystis hominis infection can mimic appendicitis in children, presenting with abdominal pain and fever. Prompt diagnosis via stool examination led to successful antibiotic treatment, avoiding surgery.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Microbiology
  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Parasitology

Background:

  • Appendicitis is a common surgical emergency in children, often presenting with right lower quadrant abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever.
  • Distinguishing appendicitis from other causes of acute abdominal pain in pediatric patients can be challenging.
  • Parasitic infections are a potential differential diagnosis for abdominal symptoms in children.

Observation:

  • Two pediatric patients presented with symptoms suggestive of appendicitis, including abdominal pain, tenderness, nausea, vomiting, and fever.
  • Both patients developed diarrhea, which did not alleviate their symptoms.
  • Clinical presentation included right lower quadrant tenderness and muscle guarding, mimicking acute appendicitis.

Findings:

  • Microscopic examination of stool samples revealed the presence of Blastocystis hominis in both children.
  • Blastocystis hominis infection was identified as the cause of the patients' gastrointestinal symptoms.
  • Diagnosis was confirmed prior to surgical intervention (laparotomy).

Implications:

  • Blastocystis hominis infection should be considered in the differential diagnosis of acute abdominal pain in children, especially when symptoms mimic appendicitis.
  • Non-invasive stool examination is crucial for identifying parasitic causes of abdominal symptoms.
  • Appropriate antibiotic treatment for Blastocystis hominis infection can lead to favorable outcomes and prevent unnecessary surgery.

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