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Multiple Choice

Amebic liver abscess is caused by infection with which organism?

Amebic liver abscess occurs when Entamoeba histolytica, a parasitic protozoan, invades the colonic mucosa and spreads via the portal circulation to the liver, most often producing a focal abscess in the right lobe. This organism is the classic cause of amebic liver abscess, setting it apart from other parasites listed. Echinococcus granulosus creates hydatid cysts in the liver with characteristic daughter cysts; Giardia lamblia causes intestinal giardiasis without liver abscess formation; Ascaris lumbricoides can cause biliary or pancreatic issues but not amebic liver abscess. Thus the organism responsible is Entamoeba histolytica.

Amebic liver abscess occurs when Entamoeba histolytica, a parasitic protozoan, invades the colonic mucosa and spreads via the portal circulation to the liver, most often producing a focal abscess in the right lobe. This organism is the classic cause of amebic liver abscess, setting it apart from other parasites listed. Echinococcus granulosus creates hydatid cysts in the liver with characteristic daughter cysts; Giardia lamblia causes intestinal giardiasis without liver abscess formation; Ascaris lumbricoides can cause biliary or pancreatic issues but not amebic liver abscess. Thus the organism responsible is Entamoeba histolytica.