Whipple disease

[Oralee]

Whipple disease is the result of a rare bacterial infection that damages the lining of the small intestine, resulting in malabsorption, and may involve other organs of the body.

This disease is caused by a bacterial infection.
Typical symptoms include diarrhea, inflamed and painful joints, weight loss, and abdominal pain.
The diagnosis is based on the results of biopsies of the small intestine.
If left untreated, the disease is progressive and fatal.
Antibiotics can eliminate the infection, but the disease can recur.

Whipple disease affects mainly white men aged 30 to 60.