Amoebic appendicitis is very rare, occurring in about 0,5 to 1% of acu
te appendicitis in tropical countries. The most severe complication is
transmural amoebic colitis with perforation, described in 1,6 to 3,2%
of cases. The mortality of such cases can be very high (up to 80%), W
e present a Swiss patient with amoebic appendicitis followed by severe
perforated collitis, a total colectomy was necessary and the patient
survived. Because of the good results of amoebicidal therapy and becau
se of the severity of the complication after colitis we suggest that p
atients with signs of acute appendicitis after travel in tropical area
s should be screened.