Introduction
Liver abscess (LA) is defined as collection of purulent material in liver parenchyma which can be due to bacterial, parasitic, fungal, or mixed infection. It is a common condition across the globe. Out of total incidence of LA, approximately two-thirds of cases in developing countries are of amoebic aetiology and three-fourths of cases in developed countries are pyogenic [1].
Amoebiasis is presently the third most common cause of death from parasitic disease [2]. The condition is endemic in tropical countries like India due to poor sanitary condition and overcrowding. Amoebic liver abscess (ALA) accounts for 3–9% of all cases of amoebiasis [3]. However, pyogenic and tubercular aetiologies should always be entertained in the differentials. The incidence of tubercular liver abscess (TLA) has increased in recent past due to increased incidence of predisposing factors like alcoholism, immunodeficiency, irrational usage of antibiotics, and emergence of drug resistant bacilli.
Surgical management was the mainstay for treating LA earlier [1]. However, recent evidences from percutaneous drainage procedure have shown a favorable outcome with less average length of stay in hospital compared to conservative mode of treatment [4]. In this context, precise diagnosis of the abscess aetiology is pivotal for appropriate management. The concept of the present study was to evaluate the changing trends in clinical profile, microbiological aetiology, and management outcomes of patients diagnosed with LA.