Tropical sprue epidemiology and demographics

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1];Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Aravind Kuchkuntla, M.B.B.S [2] Akshun Kalia M.B.B.S.[3]

Overview

Tropical sprue is a rare diagnosis nowadays, and the highest prevalence is seen in the tropical countries.

Epidemiology and Demographics

The incidence of tropical sprue is unknown as it is a rare diagnosis due to improved hygiene practices and the use of antibiotics.^[1]
In United States, tropical sprue is extremely rare and is only seen in travellers to endemic areas.

Tropical sprue affects the people tropical areas (30 degrees North or South of the equator), India, major part of South East Asia, Puerto Rica, parts of the Caribbean, northern South America, and West Africa have high prevalence of tropical sprue.^[1]

Tropical sprue commonly affects adults. However, cases in children have also been reported.

Tropical sprue affects all races of those who reside or visit endemic areas.^[1]^[2]

References

↑ ^1.0 ^1.1 ^1.2 Nath SK (2005). “Tropical sprue”. Curr Gastroenterol Rep. 7 (5): 343–9. PMID 16168231.
↑ Brown IS, Bettington A, Bettington M, Rosty C (2014). “Tropical sprue: revisiting an underrecognized disease”. Am J Surg Pathol. 38 (5): 666–72. doi:10.1097/PAS.0000000000000153. PMID 24441659.

Overview