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Amebic LA
Amebic LA
Alcoholism
Cancer
Homosexual activity, particularly in men
Immunosuppression
Malnutrition
Old age
Pregnancy
Recent travel to a tropical region
Steroid use
Symptoms
There may or may not be symptoms of intestinal infection. Symptoms may include:
Abdominal pain
o Particularly in the right, upper part of the abdomen
o Intense, continuous, or stabbing pain
Chills
Diarrhea
Fever
General discomfort, uneasiness, or ill feeling (malaise)
Jaundice
Joint pain
Loss of appetite
Sweating
Weight loss
Treatment
An antibiotic medicine called metronidazole (Flagyl) is the usual treatment for liver abscess. A
medication such as iodoquinol must also be taken to get rid of all the amebas in the intestine, to
prevent the disease from coming back. This can usually be delayed until after the abscess has
been treated.
In rare cases, the abscess may need to be drained to help relieve some of the abdominal pain.
Outlook (Prognosis)
Without treatment, the abscess may rupture and spread into other organs, leading to death.
Persons who receive treatment have a very high chance of a complete cure or having only
minor complications.
Possible Complications
The abscess may rupture into the abdominal cavity, the lining of the lungs, the lungs, or the sac
around the heart. The infection can also spread to the brain.
Prevention
When traveling in tropical countries where poor sanitation exists, drink purified water and do not
eat uncooked vegetables or unpeeled fruit.
Alternative Names
Hepatic amebiasis; Extraintestinal amebiasis; Abscess - amebic liver
References
Neuschwander-Tetri BA. Bacterial, parasitic, fungal, and granulomatous liver disease. In:
Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier.
2007: chap 155.