Alternate Names : Hepatic amebiasis, Extraintestinal amebiasis, Abscess – amebic liver
Definition
Amebic liver abscess is a collection of pus in the liver brought on by an intestinal parasite.
Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Amebic liver abscess is caused by Entamoeba histolytica, the same organism that causes amebiasis, an intestinal infection also called amebic dysentery. The organism is carried by the blood from the intestines to the liver.
The disease spreads through ingestion of amebic cysts in food or water contaminated with feces (sometimes due to use of human waste as fertilizer), and through person-to-person contact.
The infection occurs worldwide, but is most common in tropical areas where crowded living conditions and poor sanitation exist. Africa, Latin America, Southeast Asia, and India have significant health problems associated with this disease.
Risk factors for amebic liver abscess include:
* Alcoholism
* Cancer
* Homosexual activity, particularly in men
* Immunosuppression
* Malnutrition
* Old age
* Pregnancy
* Recent travel to a tropical region
* Steroid use
Pictures & Images
Liver cell death
Organisms that carry disease can travel through the blood stream into the liver and form an abscess, a collection of infected tissue and pus.
Amebic liver abscess: Overview, Causes
Amebic liver abscess: Symptoms & Signs, Diagnosis & Tests
Amebic liver abscess: Treatment
Reviewed By : David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Assistant in Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
