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Amoebic Liver Disease
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Page
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Amebic liver abscess is a collection of pus in the liver caused by
the intestinal parasite Entamoeba histolytica.
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Hepatic amebiasis; Extraintestinal amebiasis; Abscess - amebic
liver
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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.
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
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Patients may or may not have symptoms of intestinal infection.
Symptoms that may be present include:
- Fever
- Abdominal pain, particularly in the right, upper region. Pain
may be intense, continuous, or stabbing.
- General discomfort, uneasiness, or ill feeling (malaise )
- Sweating
- Chills
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Diarrhea
- Jaundice
- Joint pain
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These tests detect abscess in the liver:
- Abdominal ultrasound
- Abdominal CT scan or MRI
- Liver biopsy - rarely done due to high risk of complications
- Liver scan
- Liver function tests may show abnormalities
- A CBC shows elevated white blood cell count, indicating
infection.
- A serology for amebiasis is positive
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Drink purified water and do not eat
uncooked vegetables or unpeeled fruit. Public health measures include
improved water purification and waste treatment for underdeveloped
areas.
Personal Hygene:
Practice of hand wash before eating and after defeacation. |
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Liver cell death |
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