Tropical sprue is a condition seen in residents of, or visitors to tropical areas. It impairs the absorption of nutrients from the intestines, causing malabsorption.
See also: Celiac disease - sprue
The cause of this disease is swelling (inflammation) of the small intestine due to excess levels of certain types of bacteria in the intestines.
Risk factors are:
Treatment begins with plenty of fluids and electrolytes. Replacement of folate, iron, vitamin B12, and other nutrients may also be needed. Antibiotic therapy with tetracycline or another broad-spectrum antibiotic is given at the beginning of treatment.
Oral tetracycline is usually not prescribed for children until after all of their permanent teeth have appeared, because it can permanently discolor teeth that are still forming.
The outcome is good with treatment.
Vitamin and mineral deficiencies are common complications.
In children, sprue leads to:
Call your health care provider if:
Other than avoiding living in or traveling to tropical climates, there is no known prevention for tropical sprue.