Whipple disease

Whipple Disease

Whipple disease (pronounced: /ˈwɪpəl diːˈziːz/) is a rare bacterial infection that primarily affects the small intestine, but can also affect other parts of the body including the heart, brain, and joints.

Etymology

The disease is named after Dr. George Hoyt Whipple, an American pathologist who first described the disease in 1907.

Symptoms

The most common symptoms of Whipple disease include diarrhea, abdominal pain, weight loss, and malabsorption. Other symptoms can include fever, fatigue, anemia, and arthritis. In severe cases, the disease can affect the central nervous system, leading to neurological symptoms such as dementia, seizures, and vision problems.

Causes

Whipple disease is caused by the bacterium Tropheryma whipplei. The exact mode of transmission of this bacterium is not known, but it is believed to be through the ingestion of contaminated food or water.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Whipple disease is typically made through a combination of medical history, physical examination, and laboratory tests. The definitive diagnosis is usually made by identifying Tropheryma whipplei in a tissue sample obtained through a biopsy of the small intestine.

Treatment

Treatment for Whipple disease typically involves long-term antibiotic therapy. In most cases, this leads to a full recovery. However, if left untreated, the disease can be fatal.

Related Terms

• Tropheryma whipplei
• Small intestine
• Biopsy
• Antibiotic therapy

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Whipple disease
• Wikipedia's article - Whipple disease

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