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Pyogenic liver abscess

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Pyogenic liver abscess

Definition:

Pyogenic liver abscess is a pus-filled cavity within the liver.

Alternative Names:
Liver abscess; Bacterial liver abscess

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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. Other causes may be an infection in the blood, an infection of the biliary (liver secretion) tract, or trauma that damages the liver.

The most common bacteria that cause liver abscesses are Escherichia coli, klebsiella, enterococcus, staph and strep, and bacteroides.

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