Recovery of Small-Intestinal Structure and Function After Residence in the Tropics

Abstract

Forty-one former Peace Corps volunteers previously living in India or Pakistan for 18 to 24 months were studied after they had returned to the United States. Most noted cessation of diarrhea and began to gain weight immediately after their return. Some continued to have diarrhea for months or years after repatriation. In those subjects previously studied in Pakistan, xylose and vitamin B12 absorption and jejunal biopsy appearance improved significantly after return. The rate of clinical, functional, and morphologic recovery was variable. The small-intestinal disorder acquired by Peace Corps volunteers living in the tropics appeared to be reversible and to have no permanent sequelae in most subjects.