Amoebic liver abscess
Amoebic Liver Abscess
Amoebic liver abscess (pronunciation: uh-mee-bik liv-er ab-ses) is a type of liver abscess caused by the parasite Entamoeba histolytica.
Etymology
The term "amoebic liver abscess" is derived from the Greek word "amoibe" meaning change, the Latin word "liver" meaning the organ that detoxifies harmful substances in the body, and the Latin word "abscessus" meaning a going away, referring to the pus that goes away from the body.
Definition
An amoebic liver abscess is a collection of pus in the liver due to an infection by the Entamoeba histolytica parasite. This condition is most common in tropical areas and is associated with poor sanitation and hygiene.
Symptoms
Symptoms of an amoebic liver abscess can include fever, abdominal pain, weight loss, and jaundice. In severe cases, it can lead to life-threatening complications such as sepsis or rupture of the abscess.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of an amoebic liver abscess can be made through a combination of medical history, physical examination, and medical tests such as ultrasound or CT scan. Laboratory tests may also be used to identify the Entamoeba histolytica parasite in stool or abscess fluid.
Treatment
Treatment for an amoebic liver abscess typically involves antibiotics to kill the Entamoeba histolytica parasite, and in some cases, surgery may be required to drain the abscess.
Prevention
Prevention of amoebic liver abscess involves improving sanitation and hygiene practices, including proper handwashing and safe food and water practices.
See Also
This WikiMD.org article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.