WHIPPLE'S DISEASE

Whipple's disease is a rare infectious disease that typically infects the bowel. When recognized and treated, Whipple's disease can be cured. Untreated, the disease is usually fatal.

What is Whipple's Disease?

Whipple's Disease causes malabsorption primarily but may affect any part of the body including the heart, lungs, brain, joints, and eyes. It interferes with the body's ability to absorb certain nutrients. Whipple's disease causes weight loss, incomplete breakdown of carbohydrates or fats, and malfunctions of the immune system.

What Causes Whipple's Disease?

Whipple's disease is caused by bacteria named Tropheryma whippelii. It can affect any system of the body, but occurs most often in the small intestine. Lesions appear on the wall of the small intestine and thicken the tissue. The villi-tiny, finger-like protrusions from the wall that help absorb nutrients-are damaged.

What are the Symptoms of Whipple's Disease?

Symptoms include diarrhea, intestinal bleeding, abdominal bloating and cramps, loss of appetite, weight loss, fatigue, and weakness. Arthritis and fever often occur several years before intestinal symptoms develop.

How is Whipple's Disease Diagnosed?

Diagnosis is based on symptoms and results of a biopsy of tissue from the small intestine.

How is Whipple's Disease Treated?

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.

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.

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