- Whipple's disease is a rare chronic infection that affects multiple systems and is often marked by symptoms like weight loss, diarrhea, and joint pain, but can also present as localized disease, acute infection, or be asymptomatic.
- Diagnosis involves examining duodenal biopsies and using PCR to analyze specific genetic material from the causative agent.
- A case study highlights a middle-aged man with ongoing joint pain and gastrointestinal issues, illustrating how the rarity of Whipple's disease makes it challenging to diagnose despite its diverse symptoms.