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Amebic liver abscess

• Overview
• Symptoms
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Definition:

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

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 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

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.

• Review Date: 6/29/2007
• Reviewed By: 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.

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