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Malabsorption in overland travellers to India
British Medical Journal
|August 10, 1974
Summary
Young adults traveling to India can develop tropical sprue, a malabsorption condition. Symptoms like diarrhea and weight loss may persist long after returning home.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Infectious Diseases
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Travelers to endemic regions are at risk for gastrointestinal illnesses.
- Tropical sprue is a malabsorption syndrome affecting the small intestine.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe cases of malabsorption in young adults following travel to India.
- To investigate the clinical presentation, diagnostic findings, and outcomes of these patients.
Main Methods:
- Case series describing 34 young adults with malabsorption after overland travel to India.
- Clinical evaluation, including assessment of malabsorption (fat, xylose, vitamin B12), serum nutrient levels, and mucosal morphology.
Main Results:
- Patients presented with diarrhea, abdominal distension, and weight loss.
- Significant fat, xylose, and vitamin B12 malabsorption with mucosal changes were observed.
- Lower serum folate and vitamin B12 levels correlated with prolonged diarrhea; no anemia developed.
- Malabsorption symptoms persisted for months post-return; initial antibiotic response was common, with some relapses.
Conclusions:
- Brief travel to India can precipitate tropical sprue in young adults.
- The condition is characterized by significant malabsorption and persistent symptoms.
- Further research is needed to understand the pathogenesis and optimize treatment for tropical sprue.
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