ICD-11 definition : Tropical sprue is a syndrome involving the entire small intestine that cause acute
or chronic diarrhea 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 has been suggested, and antimicrobial therapy may result in
cure of the intestinal abnormalities.;
Tropical sprue is a syndrome involving the entire small intestine that cause acute
or chronic diarrhea 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 has been suggested, and antimicrobial therapy may result in
cure of the intestinal abnormalities.