WHIPPLES-DISEASE

Whipple's disease is a multisystem infection caused by a unique, cultu re-resistant Gram-positive bacterium. Mechanisms of pathogenesis and t he interplay of the pathogen with the immune system are poorly underst ood. It has recently been shown to infect red blood cells as well as t he heart valve and the anterior chamber of the eye. It should be treat ed with a therapeutic agent that penetrates the cerebrospinal fluid.