Educational Content: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.
Definition of Whipple disease
Medically reviewed by Dr. Otari Nergadze, Neurosurgeon | Updated: January 2026
Whipple disease: A form of inability to absorb nutrients from the intestine. It can affect any part of the body, leading to arthritis and then weight loss, cough, fever, diarrhea, hypotension (low blood pressure), abdominal swelling, increased skin pigmentation, and severe anemia. Whipple disease has been discovered to be due to a type of bacteria named Tropheryma whippelii. Whipple disease is treated with antibiotics. Some patients relapse and need long-term, even life-long, treatment.