17th June 2024

The tropical bowel

Tropical sprue

Tropical sprue is a disease of unknown aetiology occurring in tropical and subtropical countries, though it is relatively less common on the African continent. It is characterised by malabsorption in the small bowel. It is often precipitated by an acute diarrhoeal illness. Villous blunting is observed on endoscopy. A prolonged course of antibiotics is given as treatment for the associated bacterial overgrowth, as well as nutrition supplementation, and there is usually a good resolution of pathology.

Giardiasis

The protozoan infection Giardiasis, caused by Giardia duodenalis, is spread via the faecal-oral route and has a worldwide distribution. The incubation period is generally several days but can extend into weeks and months. Signs and symptoms include foul-smelling diarrhoea and flatulence, abdominal pain, and weight loss if there is any chronicity. Stool microscopy is generally used to make a diagnosis and the treatment is a course of metronidazole.