Whipple disease is triggered by a rare bacterial infection that impairs the small intestinal lining and might affect other bodily organs. This condition affects white males aged 30-60. It is due to an infection with Tropheryma whippelii. This infection usually affects the small intestines but can also affect other organs such as the lungs, heart, joints, brain and the eyes.
What are the signs and symptoms?
The chief indications of Whipple disease include the following:
- Diarrhea
- Inflamed and achy joints
- Weight loss
- Abdominal pain
The other usual symptoms include appetite loss, fever, fatigue and weakness due to anemia, cough as well as pain while breathing due to the inflammation of the membrane layers that covers the lungs.
The other usual symptoms include appetite loss, fever, fatigue and weakness due to anemia, cough as well as pain while breathing due to the inflammation of the membrane layers that covers the lungs.
The fluid might buildup in the region between the pleural layers. The lymph nodes can grow in size. In some individuals, the skin appears to darken. Those who have Whipple disease might end up with heart murmurs. Memory loss, confusion or uncontrolled eye movements might indicate that the infected has spread to the brain.
How is it diagnosed
The doctor can come up with a diagnosis of Whipple disease by identifying the bacteria in the small intestine. One way to identify the bacteria is to perform biopsy using an endoscope to take a sample from the small intestine or removal of tissue from a swollen lymph node. The tissue is assessed under a microscope.
Management
If Whipple disease is left untreated, it can become progressively worse and even fatal. It is important to note that the disease can be treated using antibiotics. In most cases, an individual is given penicillin or ceftriaxone intravenously that is followed by trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole orally for at least 12 months.
The symptoms typically subside rapidly. Despite the evident initial response to antibiotics, however, the disease has a tendency to recur.