Tropheryma whipplei

MICROBIOLOGY

  • Agent of Whipple’s disease (WD), distant relationship to actinomyces by 16s rDNA sequencing.
  • Detected in multiple environmental samples, including soil and sewerage. Considered ubiquitous.
  • Fastidious organism, 0.25µm rods may appear Gram-positive upon staining.
    • Has a characteristic trilaminar cell membrane on electron microscopy [Fig 1].
  • Correct nomenclature: Tropheryma whipplei (not T. whippelii).

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Last updated: February 4, 2023