Definition A malabsorption syndrome of unknown cause that is prevalent in the tropics and subtropics. The cause of the disease is unknown, but it may be the result of an infectious organism. It affects residents or visitors of the tropics. The main symptom is diarrhea , which may improve on leaving the tropics, or may appear years after leaving the tropics.
Risk factors are residence in the tropics, or prolonged travel to the tropics.
The incidence 1 out of 1 million people. In children, sprue most often presents with growth failure and delayed skeletal maturation. Treatment Folic acid therapy corrects the diarrhea , anemia , and weight loss . Antibiotic therapy with tetracycline is given at the beginning of treatment. The outcome is expected to be good with treatment.