[Acute appendicitis in patients with Yersinia infection]

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Gastroenterology
• Surgical Pathology

Background:

• Yersinia infection, particularly its abdominal form, is a common cause of acute appendicitis, especially in pediatric populations.
• This study analyzes 307 patients treated for abdominal Yersiniosis, with a focus on those presenting with acute appendicitis.

Observation:

• Acute appendicitis was diagnosed in 23.8% of patients with Yersinia infection.
• Clinical presentation, diagnostic delays, histological findings, and surgical outcomes were evaluated.
• Challenges in diagnosing appendicitis concurrently with Yersiniosis, mesadenitis, and terminal ileitis were noted.

Findings:

• Destructive forms of appendicitis occurred in 77.9% of cases, suggesting laparoscopy for uncertain diagnoses.
• Average inpatient treatment duration for appendicitis with Yersinia infection was 4.8 days.
• Timely administration of specific antibacterial therapy, including chloramphenicol, correlated with positive treatment results.

Implications:

• Highlights the importance of considering Yersinia infection in appendicitis diagnoses, particularly in children.
• Suggests laparoscopy as a valuable diagnostic tool in suspected Yersinia-related appendicitis.
• Emphasizes the efficacy of prompt, targeted antibiotic treatment for favorable patient outcomes.