Appendicitis 'may be caused by a virus'

Published on Monday 18 January 2010 21:45

APPENDICITIS may be caused by a flu-like virus, according to new research by scientists.

A link to viral infection could explain why the condition appears to be more common in certain years and during the summer. But so far no-one has been able to identify the mystery virus thought to be responsible.

Appendicitis affects about one in ten people during their lifetime and is the most common reason for emergency surgery. It occurs when the appendix, a worm-like cul-de-sac attached to the large intestine, becomes inflamed.

The organ may be an evolutionary relic, possibly used by ancient human ancestors to digest tough vegetable material like tree bark.

A perforated appendix that has swollen and burst may be life-threatening. For this reason, it is normal for an inflamed appendix to be removed.

But the new American study, reported in the journal Archives of Surgery, suggests that an operation is not always necessary.

Doctors are unclear about how appendicitis is triggered. It is generally assumed the inflammation is linked to a blockage of some kind.

The new research reported in the journal Archives of Surgery involved screening US hospital admissions for appendicitis, influenza and gastric viral infections spanning 36 years.

Analysis revealed a clustering pattern suggesting outbreaks typical of viral infections. Seasonal trends were also uncovered, showing a slight increase in the number of appendicitis cases during the summer months.

Study leader Dr Edward Livingston, from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Centre, said: "

Though appendicitis is fairly common, it still remains a frustrating medical mystery."

Evidence from sailors at sea without access to medical facilities and children who could not safely be operated on indicated that appendicitis did not always require surgery. In many cases non-perforated appendicitis resolved itself, the research showed.