Amebic liver abscess

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Liver cell death

Overview

Symptoms

Treatment

Prevention

Amebic liver abscess

Definition:

Amebic liver abscess is a collection of pus in the liver caused by the intestinal parasite Entamoeba histolytica.

Alternative Names:

Hepatic amebiasis; Extraintestinal amebiasis; Abscess - amebic liver

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Amebic liver abscess is caused by Entamoeba histolytica, the same organism that causes amebiasis, an intestinal infection. The organism is carried through the blood to the liver.

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. Transmission occurs through ingestion of cysts in fecally-contaminated food or water, use of human waste as fertilizer, and person-to-person contact.

Risk factors for amebic liver abscess include:

Malnutrition
Old age
Pregnancy
Steroid use
Cancer
Immunosuppression
Alcoholism
Recent travel to a tropical region
Homosexuality, particularly in males

References:

Wells CD, Arguedas M. Amebic liver abscess. South Med J. 2004 Jul;97(7):673-82.

Lingvay I, Aung, K. Amebic liver abscess. eMedicine. 2004 Nov; 2662. Available online at: http://www.emedicine.com/med/topic2662.htm. Accessed June 23, 2005.

Torre A, Kershenobich D. Amebic liver abscess. Ann Hepa tol. 2002 Jan-Mar;1(1):45-7.

Feldman M, Friedman LS, Sleisenger MH, eds. Amebic Liver Abscess. In: Sleisenger & Fordtran’s Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 7th Ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders; 2002:1345-1346.

Review Date: 6/17/2005
Reviewed By: Rocio Hurtado, M.D., Division of Infectious Disease, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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