What causes liver abscess?
Bacteria: A liver abscess may be caused by different bacteria (germs). The bacteria may be from infections in another part of the body. These may include infections in the abdomen, heart, or mouth. The bacteria may reach the liver through the blood or bile ducts. The bile ducts are tubes where bile passes in and out of the liver. A liver abscess most often comes from infection of the bile ducts caused by gallstones, infections in the intestines, or appendicitis. Bacteria may also enter during a direct trauma to the liver or during procedures involving the liver. Parasite: An infection by a parasite (bug), most commonly by an ameba, may also cause a liver abscess. This infection, also called amebiasis, is common in overcrowded areas with poor sanitation. You can get this parasite by eating or drinking contaminated (dirty) food or water. Fungus: In very few cases, liver abscess may be caused by a fungus or other infectious organism. These are organisms which usually cause problems when t
