2009-11-11 13:48:49 -

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Infections from bacteria or ameba may form liver abscesses. The bacterial infections lead to rapid generalized symptoms while those abscesses from amebiasis may be more indolent. Liver abscesses are very serious disorders and may lead to death.


Liver abscesses can result from bacterial infection (pyogenic abscess) or from Entamoeba histolytica. Pyogenic abscesses have a high mortality rate of 40%.

Liver abscesses

generally result from spread of infection from the digestive tract via the portal vein, from biliary disease or by direct extension from an adjacent infection.

Risk factors include:

* Biliary disease
* Trauma
* Diabetes
* Malignancy.

Bacteria can spread to the liver from any location, but commonly come from the gastrointestinal tract. In addition, amebic liver abscess spreads from intestinal infection.

Signs and Symptoms of Liver Abscess


Fever and chills accompany pain and tenderness in the right upper abdomen. Weight loss occurs. Jaundice - yellowing of the skin and eyes may occur. Travel or living in certain areas where ameba or echinococcus infections are prevalent need to be elicited.

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