Acute Blastocystis-Associated Appendicular Peritonitis in a Child, Casablanca, Morocco

Abstract

Despite increasing reports that Blastocystis infection is associated with digestive symptoms, its pathogenicity remains controversial. We report appendicular peritonitis in a 9-year-old girl returning to France from Morocco. Only Blastocystis parasites were detected in stools, appendix, peritoneal liquid, and recto-uterine pouch. Simultaneous gastroenteritis in 26 members of the child’s family suggested an outbreak.

Keywords

• Blastocystis
• blastocystosis
• parasite
• gastrointestinal
• appendicitis
• peritonitis