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[First centenary of Whipple's disease]

José Montes Montes1, Roberto Flores Guerrero, Lilian Hernández Mendoza

  • 1Servicio de alergia e inmunología clínica del Hospital General de México, OD. majosev@prodigy.net.mx

Revista Alergia Mexico (Tecamachalco, Puebla, Mexico : 1993)
|July 24, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Whipple's disease is a rare bacterial infection affecting multiple body systems. Diagnosis involves various tests, and treatment typically includes trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology
  • Gastroenterology

Context:

  • Whipple's disease is a rare, multisystemic infection caused by Tropheryma whippelii.
  • The bacterium, identified as an actinomycete via 16S rRNA, presents with diverse symptoms including diarrhea, weight loss, abdominal pain, and arthralgias.
  • Immunological abnormalities often precede or accompany clinical manifestations.

Purpose:

  • To summarize the key aspects of Whipple's disease, covering its causative agent, clinical presentation, diagnostic methods, and treatment options.
  • To provide an overview of the current understanding and management of this infrequent infection.

Summary:

  • Whipple's disease is caused by Tropheryma whippelii, a gram-positive bacterium.
  • Principal symptoms include diarrhea, weight loss, abdominal pain, and arthralgias, potentially progressing to digestive, cardiovascular, and neurological issues.
  • Diagnostic tools include duodenal biopsy (Schiff test, PCR, electron microscopy, immunohistochemistry), alongside cabinet, endoscopic, radiological, and tomographic studies.
  • Treatment primarily involves trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, with transfer factor as a potential adjunct.

Impact:

  • Enhances understanding of a rare infectious disease.
  • Highlights the importance of multi-faceted diagnostic approaches.
  • Informs clinical management strategies for Whipple's disease.

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