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Question

Which of the following features are characteristics of Whipple disease?
1. Migratory small joint arthropathy
2. Diarrhoea with steatorrhea
3. Weight loss with Arthralgia
4. Ophthalmic and CNS symptoms
Select the correct answer using the code given below:

The correct answer is
2, 3 and 4

Analyzing Whipple Disease Characteristics

Whipple disease is a rare infectious disease caused by the bacterium Tropheryma whipplei. It primarily affects the small intestine but can manifest systemically. Let's evaluate the features listed:

  • 1. Migratory small joint arthropathy: While joint pain (arthralgia) and arthritis are common in Whipple disease, this specific description might be considered less defining or overlapping compared to other features in the context of the question's options.
  • 2. Diarrhoea with steatorrhea: These are classic gastrointestinal symptoms. Malabsorption resulting in fatty stools (steatorrhea) and chronic diarrhoea are hallmark signs due to bacterial infiltration of the intestinal lining.
  • 3. Weight loss with Arthralgia: Significant weight loss is a very common constitutional symptom resulting from malabsorption. Joint pain (arthralgia) is also frequently reported. This combination represents key systemic and musculoskeletal manifestations.
  • 4. Ophthalmic and CNS symptoms: Although less common than gastrointestinal or joint symptoms, Whipple disease can affect the eyes (e.g., uveitis) and the central nervous system (CNS), leading to neurological deficits. These represent important systemic involvements.

Conclusion on Whipple Disease Features

Based on the typical presentation, features 2 (Diarrhoea with steatorrhea), 3 (Weight loss with Arthralgia), and 4 (Ophthalmic and CNS symptoms) are considered significant characteristics of Whipple disease. Feature 1, while related to joint symptoms, is often subsumed or less emphasized compared to the combination presented in features 2, 3, and 4.

Therefore, the correct option includes features 2, 3, and 4.

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Important Questions from Bacterial Infections

  1. Which of the following are major criteria under the Jones Criteria for Acute Rheumatic Fever? 

    1. Chorea 

    2. Erythema Marginatum 

    3. Subcutaneous Nodules 

    4. Polyarthralgia 

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

  2. Whipple's disease is characterized by the infiltration of small intestinal mucosa by 'foamy' macrophages. Which one of the following histological stains is characteristically used to stain them?
  3. A young male presented with recent onset urethral discharge and dysuria. On examination, the discharge was profuse and purulent. Microscopy of smears from the discharge revealed Gram-negative diplococci. What is the likely diagnosis?
  4. Cat-scratch disease is caused by infection of which of the following organisms?
  5. Which of the following drugs is/are useful in the treatment of Listeria monocytogenes infection? 

    1. Ceftriaxone 

    2. Gentamicin 

    3. Ampicillin 

    4. Sulfamethoxazole 

    Select the correct answer using the code given below.

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