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Saffioti C, Nebiolo M, Caorsi R, Mesini A, Severino M, Brisca G, Castagnola E, Gattorno M. Whipple Disease Presenting as Isolated Transverse Myelitis with Permanent Neurological Damage in a Patient with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Case Report of a Difficult Diagnosis with a Literature Review. Infect Dis Rep 2024; 16:269-280. [PMID: 38525769 PMCID: PMC10961757 DOI: 10.3390/idr16020022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
We describe an atypical case of Whipple disease exclusively involving the spinal cord in an adolescent receiving immunosuppressive therapy for systemic lupus erythematosus. The diagnosis was particularly difficult since lupus and Whipple disease can present similar clinical features and the patient's prolonged contact with sewage was initially not mentioned. A literature review of the clinical, imaging, diagnostic, and therapeutic challenges of Whipple disease is also performed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Saffioti
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy; (C.S.); (A.M.); (E.C.)
| | - Marta Nebiolo
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy;
| | - Roberta Caorsi
- Rheumatolgy and Autoinflammatory Diseases Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy; (R.C.); (M.G.)
| | - Alessio Mesini
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy; (C.S.); (A.M.); (E.C.)
| | | | - Giacomo Brisca
- Paediatric and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy
| | - Elio Castagnola
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy; (C.S.); (A.M.); (E.C.)
| | - Marco Gattorno
- Rheumatolgy and Autoinflammatory Diseases Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy; (R.C.); (M.G.)
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Yoon S, Hong ME, Hong SA, Kim TH, Lee MK. Prevalence estimation of Tropheryma whipplei in duodenal biopsy tissues of Koreans. Ann Clin Microbiol Antimicrob 2024; 23:2. [PMID: 38172885 PMCID: PMC10765791 DOI: 10.1186/s12941-023-00658-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Whipple's disease caused by Tropheryma whipplei is difficult to diagnose because of a broad spectrum of manifestations and non-specific clinical signs. In the current global era, the incidence of duodenal infection/inflammation caused by T. whipplei in Korea may has been underestimated. Here we estimated the prevalence of T. whipplei in duodenal biopsy tissues of Koreans using real-time PCRs (RT-PCRs). A total of 252 duodenal biopsy tissues were collected from Korean patients who underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy and duodenal biopsy. DNA extracted from the duodenal biopsy tissues was analyzed using three RT-PCRs targeting T. whipplei-specific regions of the 16S-23S rRNA intergenic spacer, hsp65, and Dig15 in parallel. In the samples positive in RT-PCRs, direct sequencing was performed for each RT-PCR target. The prevalence of T. whipplei was estimated based on the RT-PCR and sequencing results. Among the analyzed samples, T. whipplei was not detected. The prevalence of T. whipplei in duodenal biopsy tissues of Koreans was estimated to be less than 0.4%. This is the first study to attempt to detect T. whipplei in duodenal biopsy tissues of Koreans and estimate its prevalence. Our findings infer that while T. whipplei carriers exist in Korea, the incidence of duodenal infection/inflammation caused by T. whipplei is extremely rare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumi Yoon
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Min Eui Hong
- Department of Pathology, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Soon Auck Hong
- Department of Pathology, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Tae-Hyoung Kim
- Department of Urology, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Mi-Kyung Lee
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
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Makka S, Papadogiannaki I, Voulgari-Kokota A, Georgakopoulou T, Koutantou M, Angelakis E. Tropheryma whipplei Intestinal Colonization in Migrant Children, Greece. Emerg Infect Dis 2022; 28:1926-1928. [PMID: 35997529 PMCID: PMC9423926 DOI: 10.3201/eid2809.220068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
We obtained fecal samples from migrant children <12 years of age throughout hotspots in Greece and tested them for Tropheryma whipplei by using a quantitative PCR assay. We identified 6 genotypes of T. whipplei, 4 of which are newly described. Our findings suggest a high prevalence of T. whipplei in these regions.
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Tropheryma whipplei, Helicobacter pylori, and Intestinal Protozoal Co-Infections in Italian and Immigrant Populations: A Cross-Sectional Study. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10040769. [PMID: 35456819 PMCID: PMC9027763 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10040769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Tropheryma whipplei (TW), Helicobacter pylori (HP), and intestinal protozoa (IP) are widespread pathogens with similar routes of transmission and epidemiological risk factors. Epidemiological data on co-infection between TW, HP, and IP are scarce. We aim to more deeply investigate the co-infection rate for these pathogens, evaluating the risk factors and symptoms. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted at the IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital in Northern Italy, a referral center for tropical and Whipple’s disease (WD). Stored stool samples from 143 subjects previously tested for TW DNA by real-time PCR were explored for HP and IP DNA detection. The virulence factor cagA was investigated in HP-positive patients. Results: A history of migration was reported significantly more in TW-positive than in negative subjects (34.1% vs. 9.1%, p = 0.001) and in HP-infected than in those non-infected (59.1% vs. 9.1%, p < 0.001). The HP infection rate differed significantly between TW-infected and uninfected groups (31.8% vs. 8.1%, p = 0.001), while no difference was observed for IP infection. Significantly higher TW intestinal colonization was found in HP-infected patients than in non-infected (63.6% vs. 24.8%, p < 0.001). In addition, the proportion of Blastocysts positive finding was also significantly higher in HP-infected than in non-infected (40.9% vs. 17.4%, p = 0.018). Conclusions: The present study is the first to report a high TW and HP co-infection rate. To reduce the risk of morbidity from a chronic infection of either pathogen, clinicians may consider TW-HP molecular screening on the same stool sample for patients with suspected HP disease or WD, particularly in case of travel history.
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Shams S, Niloofar Rezaie, Beltrame A, Moro L, Piubelli C, Amiri FB, Esmaeili S. Tropheryma whipplei intestinal colonization in immunocompromised children in Iran: a preliminary study. Future Microbiol 2021; 16:1161-1166. [PMID: 34615382 DOI: 10.2217/fmb-2021-0091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim & method: Tropheryma whipplei causes Whipple's disease. Children are reservoirs of this bacterium. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of T. whipplei in children with immunodeficiency in central Iran from July 2018 to February 2019. Stool samples were tested by SYBR Green and Taq-Man real-time PCR assays. For confirmation, the isolated DNA was sequenced. Results: One hundred and thirty children were enrolled. Acute lymphocytic leukemia was the most reported immunodeficient disease (77%), followed by non-Hodgkin lymphoma and retinoblastoma. Thirteen (10%) children had T. whipplei DNA in the stool; 11.4% of the children under 5 years old were positive. Conclusion: This is the first study showing the circulation of T. whipplei in Iran.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeed Shams
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, 3736175513, Iran
| | - Niloofar Rezaie
- Department of Microbiology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, 1316943551, Iran
| | - Anna Beltrame
- Department of Infectious, Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar di Valpolicella, 37024, Italy
| | - Lucia Moro
- Department of Infectious, Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar di Valpolicella, 37024, Italy
| | - Chiara Piubelli
- Department of Infectious, Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar di Valpolicella, 37024, Italy
| | - Fahimeh Bagheri Amiri
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, 1316943551, Iran
| | - Saber Esmaeili
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, 1316943551, Iran
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Role of enteroscopy in the diagnosis of whipple's disease. Acta Gastroenterol Belg 2021; 84:669-671. [PMID: 34965051 DOI: 10.51821/84.4.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Whipple's disease is a rare chronic systemic infection caused by Tropheryma whipplei. The widespread infection by this rod is responsible for the protean clinical manifestations of the disease, although its classical form is notable for the prevalence of abdominal symptoms such as chronic diarrhea and abdominal pain. Whitish-yellow patches, suggestive of lymphangiectasia, are typically observed in the duodenum during upper endoscopy. The diagnosis of this condition is supported by the identification in duodenal biopsies of Periodic acid-Schiff staining within lamina propria macrophages. Nevertheless, a significant portion of patients do not have lesions within the range of conventional upper endoscopy. Therefore, other endoscopic procedures such as video capsule endoscopy and enteroscopy may be useful to detect more distal lesions. The authors describe a case where the combined used of both techniques allowed the unmasking of this disease.
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Eberhardt KA, Sarfo FS, Klupp EM, Dompreh A, Di Cristanziano V, Osei Kuffour E, Boateng R, Norman B, Phillips RO, Aepfelbacher M, Feldt T. Intestinal Colonization with Tropheryma whipplei-Clinical and Immunological Implications for HIV Positive Adults in Ghana. Microorganisms 2021; 9:1781. [PMID: 34442860 PMCID: PMC8400997 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9081781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent studies demonstrated higher prevalence rates of Tropheryma whipplei (T. whipplei) in HIV positive than in HIV negative subjects. However, associations with the immune status in HIV positive participants were conflicting. METHODS For this cross-sectional study, stool samples of 906 HIV positive and 98 HIV negative individuals in Ghana were tested for T. whipplei. Additionally, sociodemographic parameters, clinical symptoms, medical drug intake, and laboratory parameters were assessed. RESULTS The prevalence of T. whipplei was 5.85% in HIV positive and 2.04% in HIV negative participants. Within the group of HIV positive participants, the prevalence reached 7.18% in patients without co-trimoxazole prophylaxis, 10.26% in subjects with ART intake, and 12.31% in obese participants. Frequencies of clinical symptoms were not found to be higher in HIV positive T. whipplei carriers compared to T. whipplei negative participants. Markers of immune activation were lower in patients colonized with T. whipplei. Multivariate regression models demonstrated an independent relationship of a high CD4+ T cell count, a low HIV-1 viral load, and an obese body weight with the presence of T. whipplei. CONCLUSIONS Among HIV positive individuals, T. whipplei colonization was associated with a better immune status but not with clinical consequences. Our data suggest that the withdrawal of co-trimoxazole chemoprophylaxis among people living with HIV on stable cART regimen may inadvertently increase the propensity towards colonization with T. whipplei.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten Alexandra Eberhardt
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine & I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20359 Hamburg, Germany
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Fred Stephen Sarfo
- Department of Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, 00233 Kumasi, Ghana; (F.S.S.); (B.N.); (R.O.P.)
- Department of Medicine, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, 00233 Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Eva-Maria Klupp
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany; (E.-M.K.); (M.A.)
| | - Albert Dompreh
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, 00233 Kumasi, Ghana; (A.D.); (R.B.)
| | - Veronica Di Cristanziano
- Institute of Virology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, 50935 Cologne, Germany;
| | - Edmund Osei Kuffour
- Laboratory of Retrovirology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA;
| | - Richard Boateng
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, 00233 Kumasi, Ghana; (A.D.); (R.B.)
| | - Betty Norman
- Department of Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, 00233 Kumasi, Ghana; (F.S.S.); (B.N.); (R.O.P.)
- Department of Medicine, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, 00233 Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Richard Odame Phillips
- Department of Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, 00233 Kumasi, Ghana; (F.S.S.); (B.N.); (R.O.P.)
- Department of Medicine, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, 00233 Kumasi, Ghana
- Kumasi Center for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, 00233 Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Martin Aepfelbacher
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany; (E.-M.K.); (M.A.)
| | - Torsten Feldt
- Clinic of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany;
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Edouard S, Luciani L, Lagier JC, Raoult D. Current knowledge for the microbiological diagnosis of Tropheryma whipplei infection. Expert Opin Orphan Drugs 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/21678707.2020.1791700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Edouard
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, APHM, MEPHI, Marseille, France
| | - Léa Luciani
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Jean-Christophe Lagier
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, APHM, MEPHI, Marseille, France
| | - Didier Raoult
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, APHM, MEPHI, Marseille, France
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To evaluate recently published information about the frequency of maldigestion and malabsorption in older individuals, likely diagnoses causing these problems, and the diagnostic scheme when these diagnoses are being considered. RECENT FINDINGS Although the prevalence of malnourishment and frank malnutrition may be increasing among older adults admitted to the hospital, this appears to be due to reduced food intake rather than maldigestion or malabsorption. The mechanisms of food digestion and absorption seem to be resilient, even in old age, but concurrent illness may produce malabsorption in older individuals. Illnesses that may be more common among the elderly include small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, enteropathies, vascular disease, diabetes, and certain infections, such as Whipple's disease. In addition, older adults may have had previous surgeries or exposure to medicines which may induce malabsorption. The presentation of maldigestion and malabsorption in the elderly may be different than in younger individuals, and this may contribute to delayed recognition, diagnosis, and treatment. Diagnostic testing for maldigestion and malabsorption generally is similar to that used in younger patients. Maldigestion and malabsorption occur in older individuals and require a high level of suspicion, especially when weight loss, sarcopenia, or nutrient deficiencies are present.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lawrence R Schiller
- Baylor University Medical Center, 260 Wadley Tower, 3500 Gaston Avenue, Dallas, TX, 75246, USA.
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