Whipple's disease

Whipple's disease is a rare bacterial infection caused by Tropheryma whipplei, which primarily affects the small intestine but can also involve other organs like the heart, joints, and brain. It impairs the body's ability to absorb nutrients, leading to symptoms such as chronic diarrhea, weight loss, joint pain, and fatigue. Because of its diverse symptoms, it can be hard to diagnose. Treatment involves long-term antibiotics that can effectively eliminate the bacteria and resolve symptoms, but early diagnosis is crucial to prevent long-term complications.