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Whipple’s disease - MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia
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Whipple’s disease

Contents of this page:

Alternative Names   

Intestinal lipodystrophy

Definition    Return to top

Whipple's disease is a rare condition that prevents the intestine from properly absorbing nutrients. This is called malabsorption.

Causes    Return to top

Whipple's disease is caused by infection from bacteria called Tropheryma whippelii. The disorder mainly affects middle-aged white men.

Whipple's disease is extremely rare. Risk factors are unknown.

Symptoms    Return to top

Symptoms usually start slowly, and may include:

Exams and Tests    Return to top

Possible signs:

Tests may include:

This disease may also change the results of the following tests:

Treatment    Return to top

You will need to take long-term antibiotics to cure any infections of the brain and central nervous system. A medicine called ceftriaxone is given through a vein (IV). It is followed by an antibiotic (such as trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole) taken by mouth for up to 1 year.

If symptoms come back during antibiotic use, the antibiotic treatment may be changed.

Your health care provider should closely follow you, because signs of the disease can return after you finish therapy. Those who have nutritional deficiencies from malabsorption will also need to take dietary supplements.

Outlook (Prognosis)    Return to top

Without treatment, the condition is usually fatal. Treatment relieves symptoms and can cure the disease.

Possible Complications    Return to top

When to Contact a Medical Professional    Return to top

Call your health care provider if you have persistent abdominal pain and diarrhea.

If you are being treated for Whipple's disease, call your health care provider if:

References    Return to top

West SG. Systemic diseases in which arthritis is a feature. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 297.

Update Date: 10/13/2008

Updated by: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; and George F. Longstreth, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program, San Diego, California. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2009, A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.


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