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