How does the organism enter the body in cases of amebic abscess?

Prepare for the American Board of Surgery In-Training Examination (ABSITE) with engaging quizzes featuring multiple choice questions and detailed explanations to enhance your surgical knowledge. Score your best and ace the exam with confidence!

In cases of amebic abscess, the organism typically enters the body through the digestive system. Specifically, the causative agent, Entamoeba histolytica, is transmitted via the fecal-oral route, often through contaminated food or water. Once ingested, the organism can invade the intestinal wall and, in some cases, disseminate to the liver via the portal system, leading to the formation of an amebic liver abscess. This pathway underscores the importance of gastrointestinal health and hygiene in preventing infection.

Thus, the correct understanding is that while Entamoeba histolytica may enter the body through the digestive system, its pathway through the portal circulation to establish an abscess in another organ, like the liver, highlights the organism's ability to spread beyond the initial entry point.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy