Amebic liver abscess

Amebic liver abscess is a pus-filled pocket in the liver, a complication of intestinal infection with the parasite Entamoeba histolytica, which travels to the liver in the bloodstream. Cases occur worldwide, mostly in warm regions with crowded housing and poor sanitation; it is uncommon in children and affects men far more often than women. The parasite spreads through faecally contaminated food or water and person-to-person contact; risk factors include recent tropical travel, alcohol use disorder, cancer, immunosuppression, malnutrition, older age and pregnancy. Typical features are right upper abdominal pain, fever, chills, cough, sweating, weight loss and sometimes jaundice; an untreated abscess can rupture and spread to other organs. Diagnosis combines travel history, ultrasound, CT or MRI, blood tests and stool testing for amebiasis. Treatment uses a nitroimidazole antibiotic such as tinidazole, then a luminal amoebicidal medicine to clear intestinal parasites and prevent relapse; drainage is rarely needed.

Seek urgent care for vomiting blood, black or bloody stools, severe abdominal pain, or difficulty swallowing. See a doctor for heartburn more than twice a week, a change in bowel habit lasting more than three weeks, or unexplained weight loss. Call the local emergency number for any symptom that is sudden and severe. This page is a reference for healthcare professionals and does not replace an assessment.