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

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

There may or may not be symptoms of intestinal infection. Symptoms may include:

• Abdominal pain
  • Particularly in the right, upper part of the abdomen
  • Intense, continuous, or stabbing pain
• Chills
• Diarrhea
• Fever
• General discomfort, uneasiness, or ill feeling (malaise)
• Jaundice
• Joint pain
• Loss of appetite
• Sweating
• Weight loss

Tests that may be done include:

• Abdominal ultrasound
• Abdominal CT scan or MRI
• Complete blood count
• Liver biopsy - rarely done due to high risk of complications
• Liver scan
• Liver function tests
• Serology for amebiasis