Faeco-histological Method of Studying Worm Endemicity with the Vermiform Appendix

Abstract

Worms are endemic in various parts of the world, the patterns varying from community to community, even in the same country. A rough index of those common among Nigerians of the Igbo ethnic group has been obtained using a histological study of the ova present in the luminal faeces of the vermiform appendix in 559 operative specimens. Eighteen patients (3%) manifested 56 ova, which were identified as ascaris 29, trichuris 18, hookworm 6 and schistosome 3. It is hoped that the faeco-histological method will throw comparative and useful lights on some research worthy questions in different communities all over the world

(Nig J Surg Res 2000; 2:105-107 )

KEY WORDS

: Worm endemicity, appendix, faeces, histology