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Digestive system
Digestive system
Pyogenic abscess
Pyogenic abscess
Digestive system organs
Digestive system organs
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Pyogenic liver abscess

Definition:
A pus-filled cavity within the liver.

Alternative Names:
Liver abscess; Bacterial liver abscess

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

There are many potential causes of liver abscesses. They can be caused by an abdominal infection such as appendicitis, diverticulitis, or a perforated bowel; an infection in the blood; an infection of the biliary (liver secretion) tract; or trauma where a bruised liver becomes infected.

The most common bacteria that cause liver abscesses are Escherichia coli, Klebsiella, Enterococcus, staph and strep, and Bacteroides.



Review Date: 11/9/2002
Reviewed By: Eleftherios Mylonakis, M.D., Division of Infectious Disease, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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