Whipple's disease: Treating this infection of the intestinal tract-Whipple's disease - Symptoms & causes - Mayo Clinic
OverviewWhipple disease is a rare bacterial infection that most often affects your joints and digestive system. Whipple disease interferes with normal digestion by impairing the breakdown of foods, and hampering your body's ability to absorb nutrients, such as fats and carbohydrates.Small intestine lining The small intestine has a ridged lining covered with tiny fingerlike projections called villi. Whipple disease can also infect other organs, including your brain, heart and eyes.Without proper treatment, Whipple disease can be serious or fatal. However, a course of antibiotics can treat Whipple disease.Products & Services A Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book Newsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter — Digital EditionSymptomsCommon signs and symptomsDigestive signs and symptoms are common in Whipple disease and may include: Diarrhea Stomach cramping and pain, which may worsen after meals Weight loss, associated with the malabsorption of nutrientsOther frequent signs and symptoms associat...