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Infectious causes of appendicitis

Laura W Lamps1

  • 1Department of Pathology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA. lampslauraw@uams.edu

Infectious Disease Clinics of North America
|October 13, 2010
PubMed

Insights

This review explores infectious appendicitis, covering bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic causes. It details pathologic features and diagnostic methods for these diverse appendix infections.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Pathology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Inflamed appendix pathology involves diverse infectious entities.
  • Appendix involvement can be primary or secondary to gastrointestinal spread.
  • Diagnosis may require extensive evaluation due to nonspecific findings.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the pathologic features of infectious agents affecting the appendix.
  • To discuss diagnostic techniques and clinical significance of appendiceal infections.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of infectious diseases impacting the appendix.
  • Analysis of pathologic and histologic findings.
  • Discussion of clinical context and diagnostic approaches.

Main Results:

  • Identified bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic infections of the appendix.
  • Detailed specific pathogens like adenovirus, cytomegalovirus, Yersinia, Actinomyces, Mycobacterium, Histoplasma, Enterobius vermicularis, Schistosomiasis, and Strongyloides stercoralis.
  • Highlighted diagnostic challenges and ancillary techniques.

Conclusions:

  • Infectious appendicitis presents a broad spectrum of pathologic findings.
  • Understanding diverse pathogens is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management.
  • Ancillary diagnostic methods aid in identifying specific infectious causes.

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