Liver abscess classification

Abscess Main Page
Liver abscess Main Page
Overview
Causes
Classification Pyogenic liver abscess Amoebic liver abscess
Differential Diagnosis

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Overview

Liver abscess may be classified into 3 types based on etiology: pyogenic, amebic, and fungal liver abscess.

Classification

There are 3 major forms of liver abscess, classified by etiology:

1. Pyogenic abscess, which is most often polymicrobial, accounts for 80% of hepatic abscess cases in the United States.
2. Amebic abscess due to Entamoeba histolytica accounts for 10% of cases.
3. Fungal abscess, most often due to Candida species, accounts for less than 10% of cases.