Liver abscess due to entamoeba histolytica

It is a build-up of pus in the liver, caused by an infection by an intestinal parasite called Entamoeba histolytica.

The parasite is contracted by drinking contaminated water or foods with traces of fecal matter.

It manifests as abdominal pain in the right upper quadrant, fever and general malaise.

Diagnosis is clinical and through clinical questioning and physical examination. Blood tests and imaging tests of the liver (ultrasound or CT scan) will be performed to confirm it.

It must be treated early with systemic antibiotics and antiparasitic drugs which act in the intestinal lumen.