Print this page
 Email this page

 Connect with UMMC on:
 Twitter
 Facebook
 YouTube

 Share this page:

Bookmark and Share

Home > Medical Reference > Encyclopedia (English)

Toggle: English / Spanish

 

Video details

Hospital Virtual Tour

Click to take a virtual tour

Related Content


 

Amebic liver abscess - Overview

Alternative Names

Hepatic amebiasis; Extraintestinal amebiasis; Abscess - amebic liver

Definition of Amebic liver abscess:

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

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 by the blood from the intestines to the liver.

The disease spreads through ingestion of cysts in fecally-contaminated food or water, use of human waste as fertilizer, and 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:

  • Malnutrition
  • Old age
  • Pregnancy
  • Steroid use
  • Cancer
  • Immunosuppression
  • Alcoholism
  • Recent travel to a tropical region
  • Homosexuality, particularly in males
  • Reviewed last on: 6/29/2007
  • Cyrus Badshah, M.D., Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine,College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University; Assistant AttendingPhysician, Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases & MedicalDirector, Chest (TB)Clinic and Directly Observed Therapy Program, HarlemHospital Center. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

References

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

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.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
adam.com