Whipple's disease Definition:
Whipple's disease is a malabsorption disease. It interferes with the body's ability to absorb certain nutrients. The disease causes weight loss, irregular breakdown of carbohydrates and fats, resistance to insulin, and malfunctions of the immune system. When recognized and treated, Whipple's disease can be cured. Untreated, the disease is usually fatal.
Whipple's disease is caused by bacteria. It can affect any system of the body, but occurs most often in the small intestine. The disease causes lesions on the wall of the small intestine and thickening of the tissue. The villi -- tiny, finger-like protrusions from the wall that help absorb nutrients -- are destroyed.
Symptoms of Whipple's disease include diarrhea, inflamed and painful joints, fever, and skin darkening. Severe malabsorption results in weight loss along with fatigue and weakness caused by anemia. Other common symptoms are abdominal pain, cough, and pain when breathing caused by inflammation of the membrane layers covering the lungs (pleura). Fluid may collect in the space between the pleural layers (a condition called pleural effusion. The lymph nodes may become enlarged. People with Whipple's disease may develop heart murmurs. Confusion, memory loss, or uncontrolled eye movements indicate that the infection has spread to the brain. If left untreated, the disease is progressive and fatal.
Arthritis and fever often occur several years before intestinal symptoms develop. Diagnosis is based on symptoms and results of a biopsy of tissue from the small intestine.
Whipple's disease is treated with antibiotics to destroy the bacteria that cause the disease. The physician may use a number of different types, doses, and schedules of antibiotics to find the best treatment. Depending on the seriousness of the disease, treatment may also include fluid and electrolyte replacement. Electrolytes are salts and other substances in body fluid that the heart and brain need to function properly. Extra iron, folate, vitamin D, calcium, and magnesium may also be given to help compensate for the vitamins and minerals the body is not absorbing on its own.
Whipple's disease affects mainly men aged 30 to 60. It is caused by an infection with the organism Tropheryma whippelii. The infection usually involves the small intestine but can affect other organs, such as the heart, lung, brain, joints, and eye.
Whipple's disease Diagnosis and Treatment:
A doctor can make the diagnosis of Whipple's disease when a biopsy (a microscopic examination of tissue) of the small intestine or of an enlarged lymph node demonstrates the bacteria.
Whipple's disease can be cured with antibiotics such as tetracycline, ampicillin, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, or penicillin taken for 6 to 12 months. Symptoms subside rapidly. Despite initial response to antibiotics, however, the disease can recur.
Symptoms usually disappear after 1 to 3 months of treatment. Because relapse is common even after successful treatment, the health care team may continue to observe patients for some time.
Other topical about malabsorption related:
 Malabsorption overview: Malabsorption is the inability to absorb nutrients through the gut lining into the bloodstream. Malabsorption is the failure of the GI tract to absorb one or more substances from the diet.
Celiac disease is a hereditary disorder involving an intolerance to gluten, a protein found in wheat and rye flours.
Lactose intolerance is a common disorder caused by a lack of a specific enzyme necessary to break down a sugar in milk, resulting in diarrhea, cramps, and gas.
Tropical sprue is uncommon in the U.S. Symptoms include anemia and other nutritional deficiencies, weight loss, and diarrhea. A sore tongue and passage of fatty stools are common.
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