Flu-like virus'may cause appendicitis'

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

Appendicitis affects about one person in 10 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.

The new study not only questions the cause of appendicitis but also suggests that surgery 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 revealed appendicitis peaked in 1977, 1981, 1984, 1987, 1994 and 1998. The clustering pattern suggested outbreaks typical of viral infections. There was a slight increase in the number of cases during the summer months.