Amebic liver abscess

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Liver cell death

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

Hepatic amebiasis; Extraintestinal amebiasis; Abscess - amebic liver

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

Review Date: 06/17/2005
Reviewed By: Rocio Hurtado, M.D., Division of Infectious Disease, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.