Endemic tropical sprue in Africa.

Twenty-four patients have been found who appear to have endemic tropical sprue, with malabsorption on biochemical, radiological and histological grounds. Patients with the tropical sprue syndrome responded equally well clinically and biochemically to folate and tetracycline. Jejunal histology responded least well to treatment. It is suggested that as more Gastrointestinal Units are opened, especially in humid sea level areas in Africa, more cases of endemic tropical sprue will be found.