Search research articles

Search research articles

Related Experiment Videos

Tropical sprue.

Samir Kumar Nath¹

¹Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555-0174, USA. sknath@utmb.edu

Current Gastroenterology Reports

|September 20, 2005

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Related Concept Videos

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

Heat induces end to end repetitive association in P. furiosus L-asparaginase which enables its thermophilic property.

Scientific reports·2020

Same author

Monomeric human soluble CD4 dimerizes at physiological temperature: VTSAXS data based modeling and screening of retardant molecules.

Journal of biomolecular structure & dynamics·2020

Same author

Capsule endoscopy.

Current gastroenterology reports·2005

See all related articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Tropical sprue (TS) is a chronic diarrheal illness causing malabsorption in tropical regions. Further research into microbial factors and pathogenesis is needed for better diagnosis and treatment.

Area of Science:

Gastroenterology
Infectious Diseases
Immunology

Background:

Tropical sprue (TS) is a poorly understood diarrheal disease affecting individuals in tropical climates.
Its etiology remains unknown, with multifactorial contributions including bacterial overgrowth and motility disturbances.
Current treatments like tetracycline and folate show efficacy but are associated with frequent relapses.

Purpose of the Study:

To summarize the current understanding of tropical sprue.
To highlight the gaps in knowledge regarding its pathogenesis and contributing factors.
To emphasize the need for further research into microbial, immunogenetic, and hormonal aspects.

Main Methods:

Review of existing literature on tropical sprue.

Related Experiment Videos

Analysis of proposed pathogenetic mechanisms.

Discussion of current and potential therapeutic strategies.

Main Results:

Tropical sprue is characterized by chronic diarrhea and malabsorption.
Bacterial overgrowth, altered gut motility, and hormonal/histopathologic changes are implicated in its development.
Treatment responses are variable, with common relapses.

Conclusions:

The exact pathogenesis of tropical sprue requires further elucidation.
Investigating microbial factors, pathogenesis, immunogenetics, and hormonal regulation is crucial.
Modern diagnostic techniques may offer new avenues for diagnosis, prevention, and treatment.