Liver infections can be viral, bacterial or occasionally parasitic. Viral infections (hepatitis) are usually managed by physicians such as gastroenterologists, and can be acute and self-limiting (such as “food poisoning”), or chronic. Bacterial infections can affect the liver itself, or more commonly the bile ducts that run in the liver. Bile duct infections are often associated with blockages in the duct, such as due to gallstones. Occasionally these can be serious or life threatening, and may require acute admission to hospital for treatment. Parasitic infections, such as hydatid disease and amoebic abscesses, are less common nowadays.