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Whipple?s disease





Whipple?s disease

Definition:

Whipple's disease is a rare condition that causes malabsorption (inadequate absorption of nutrients from the intestinal tract) due to infection of the intestine.


Alternative Names:
Intestinal lipodystrophy
Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Whipple's disease is most likely caused by infection with Tropheryma whippelii. The disorder primarily affects middle-aged white men, and the onset of symptoms is usually slow. Without treatment, it may be fatal.

Whipple's disease is extremely rare, and risk factors are unknown.




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