*bacteria can enter the [[Liver - Anatomy & Physiology|liver]] through a variety of routes
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**direct implantation
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***eg foreign body penetration from [[Reticulum - Anatomy & Physiology|reticulum]]
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**direct extension from disease in adjacent tissues of supportive [[Peritonitis|peritonitis]]
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**haematogenously
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***via the umbilical vein from an infected umbilicus
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***via the portal vein in the [[Alimentary System Overview - Anatomy & Physiology|alimentary tract]]
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***via the hepatic artery in bacteraemias and septicaemias
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***via the bile ducts
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*the [[Liver - Anatomy & Physiology|liver]] may show microscopic evidence of involvement in a large variety of systemic infections
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*these can be accompanied by jaundice
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*the changes in the [[Liver - Anatomy & Physiology|liver]] are diffuse with many small areas of necrosis surrounded by [[Neutrophils|neutrophils]] and [[Lymphocytes - Introduction|lymphocytes]]