Pyogenic liver abscess

Alternative names:

abscess - pyogenic liver; bacterial liver abscess; liver abscess

Definition:

A pus-producing cavity within the liver.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

The causes of a liver abscess are multiple. It can develop from an abdominal infection such as appendicitis, diverticulitis, or a perforated bowel; an infection in the blood; an infection from the biliary (liver secretion) tract; or trauma when a bruised liver becomes infected. The most common organisms causing liver abscess are Escherichia coli, Proteus vulgaris, and Enterobacter aerogenes. The incidence is 1 out of 10,000 people.