Liver Disease in the South African Bantu

Abstract

Previous reports from Africa have constantly emphasized the high incidence of abnormal function tests, also fibrosis, cirrhosis, and other hepatic lesions among the indigenous population. I4 Despite their frequency, the pathogenesis of these liver lesions is uncertain; and their relationship to dietary deficiency or primary liver carcinoma has not been established.l . 2, 5-8 The present paper attempts to assess the practical clinical significance of the commoner liver lesions, as observed in a general hospital population in South Africa. The pathogenesis and some of the possible etiologic factors involved are also discussed in the light of previous autopsy experience.