Is tropical sprue the same as celiac disease?
Tropical sprue is a malabsorption disease commonly found in tropical regions, marked with abnormal flattening of the villi and inflammation of the lining of the small intestine. It differs significantly from coeliac sprue. It appears to be a more severe form of environmental enteropathy.
What causes sprue?
The exact causative factor of tropical sprue is unknown, but an intestinal microbial infection is believed to be the initiating insult. The infection results in enterocyte injury, intestinal stasis, and possible bacteria overgrowth. Villous destruction and demonstrable nutrient malabsorption occur in varying degrees.
What bacteria causes Whipple’s disease?
Whipple disease is caused by a type of bacterium called Tropheryma whipplei. The bacteria affect the mucosal lining of your small intestine first, forming small sores (lesions) within the wall of the intestine. The bacteria also damage the fine, hairlike projections (villi) that line the small intestine.
What are the side effects of tropical sprue in children?
Your doctor may also prescribe antidiarrheal medications to control symptoms. The most common complications of tropical sprue are vitamin and mineral deficiencies. The condition can lead to growth failure and problems with bone maturation in children. With proper treatment, the outlook for tropical sprue is very positive.
What are the symptons of tropical sprue ( TS )?
Tropical sprue is a malabsorption disease of as of yet unknown etiology. It is characterized by gastrointestinal symptoms and megaloblastic anemia. Patients suffering from acute, symptomatic TS usually present gastrointestinal symptoms. Diarrhea is most frequently observed and is associated with malaise and fever.
What are the symptoms of giardiasis tropical sprue?
Giardiasis is a rare infectious disease of the small intestine caused by the single-celled organism Giardia lamblia. Like Tropical Sprue, this disease is characterized by the impaired absorption of a variety of nutrients by the small intestine. Symptoms may include abdominal cramps, stomach pain, watery diarrhea,…
How does tropical sprue affect the small intestine?
Tropical Sprue is a rare digestive disease in which the small intestine’s ability to absorb nutrients is impaired (malabsorption). Consequently, nutritional deficiencies and abnormalities in the mucous lining of the small intestine may be present.