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Trichuris muris Infection: A Model of Type 2 Immunity and Inflammation in the Gut
Published on: May 24, 2011
Tropheryma whipplei infection
1Department of Medicine (Gastroenterology), University of British Columbia Hospital, 2211 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver V6T 1W5, Canada. hugfree@shaw.ca
World Journal of Gastroenterology
|May 7, 2009
Summary
Whipple's disease is a rare systemic infection caused by Tropheryma whipplei. Early diagnosis and prolonged antibiotic treatment are crucial for successful management and preventing fatal outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Gastroenterology
- Pathology
Background:
- Whipple's disease, first described in 1907, is a rare systemic infection.
- Characterized by gastrointestinal symptoms like weight loss and diarrhea, it can affect multiple organ systems.
- Previously difficult to diagnose, advancements have improved understanding and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of Whipple's disease.
- To highlight the diagnostic challenges and diverse clinical presentations.
- To emphasize the importance of timely diagnosis and effective treatment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of Whipple's disease cases and research.
- Analysis of clinical, pathological, and microbiological findings.
- Review of diagnostic criteria and therapeutic outcomes.
Main Results:
- Whipple's disease commonly presents with weight loss, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and joint pain.
- Atypical manifestations include neurological, ocular, and cardiac involvement.
- The causative bacterium, Tropheryma whipplei, has been identified, cultured, and its genome sequenced.
- Antibiotic susceptibility data is now available, guiding treatment.
Conclusions:
- Whipple's disease is a rare but potentially fatal systemic infection.
- It can mimic various other clinical conditions, posing diagnostic challenges.
- Prompt recognition and prolonged antibiotic therapy offer a successful treatment strategy.
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