Tropical sprue

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Digestive system

Digestive system organs

Tropical sprue is a malabsorption syndrome of unknown cause that is common in the tropics and subtropics.

The cause of this disease is unknown, but it may be related to an infectious organism. The condition affects residents of or visitors to the tropics. The main symptom is diarrhea, which may get better after leaving tropical areas, but may reappear years later. Risk factors are living in the tropics or long travel to tropical destinations.

Review Date: 05/04/2006
Reviewed By: Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Frankford-Torresdale Hospital, Jefferson Health System, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.