Tropical sprue

Definition

Tropical sprue is a syndrome involving the entire small intestine that causes acute or chronic diarrhoea and malabsorption of nutrients of progressive severity that results in malnutrition and anaemia due to folic acid deficiency. The disorder occurs only among persons (mostly adults) who visit, or are residents of, certain tropical and subtropical areas. Histological changes consist of lengthening of the crypt area and broadening and shortening of the villi with chronic inflammation of small intestine. The cause of tropical sprue is not known, but excess levels of certain types of bacteria in the small intestines have been suggested, and antimicrobial therapy may result in cure of the intestinal abnormalities.

Inclusions

• Tropical steatorrhoea

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