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Pyogenic liver abscess - Overview

Alternative Names

Liver abscess; Bacterial liver abscess

Definition of Pyogenic liver abscess:

Pyogenic liver abscess is a pus-filled area in the liver.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

There are many potential causes of liver abscesses, including:

Abdominal infection such as appendicitis, diverticulitis, or a perforated bowel
Infection in the blood
Infection of the liver secretion (biliary) tract
Recent endoscopy of the biliary system
Trauma that damages the liver

The most common bacteria that cause liver abscesses are:

Bacteroides
Enterococcus
Escherichia coli
Klebsiella
Staphylococcus
Streptococcus

In most cases, more than one bacteria is found.

Digestive system

Pyogenic abscess

Digestive system organs

Reviewed last on: 9/17/2008
Linda Vorvick, MD, Seattle Site Coordinator, Lecturer, Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Jatin M Vyas, PhD, MD, Instructor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Assistant in Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Chung RT, Friedman LS. Bacterial, parasitic, and fungal infections of the liver, including liver abscess. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Sleisenger MH, eds. Sleisenger & Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2006: chap 79.

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