Value of<i>Tropheryma whipplei</i>Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction Assay for the Diagnosis of Whipple Disease: Usefulness of Saliva and Stool Specimens for First‐Line Screening

Abstract

T. whipplei-specific quantitative PCR of saliva and stool specimens should be performed as first-line noninvasive screening for WD. When the results for both types of specimens are positive, diagnosis of classic WD should be highly suspected, especially if a high bacterial load is detected. Because PCR of saliva and stool specimens lacks sensitivity for determination of localized WD, invasive samples should be tested on the basis of clinical manifestations.