Pyogenic liver abscess
Definition
Pyogenic liver abscess is a pus-filled area within the liver.
Alternative Names
Liver abscess; Bacterial liver abscessCauses
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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