Amebic liver abscess is caused by Entamoeba histolytica, the
same parasite that causes amebiasis, an intestinal infection
that is also called amebic dysentery. After an infection has
occurred, the parasite may be carried by the blood from the
intestines to the liver. The disease spreads from eating food or
water that has been contaminated with feces (sometimes due to
the use of human waste as fertilizer), and through person-to-
person contact. The infection occurs worldwide, but is most
common in tropical areas where crowded living conditions and
poor sanitation exist. Africa, Latin America, Southeast Asia,
and India have significant health problems from this disease.
Antibiotics such as metronidazole (Flagyl) or tinidazole
(Tindamax) are the usual treatment for liver abscess. A
medication such as paromomycin or diloxanide must also be taken
to get rid of all the amoebas in the intestine, to prevent the
disease from coming back. This treatment can usually be delayed
until after the abscess has been treated. In