Proteus bacteria live in the intestines, natural cavities of the body and in the environment. Proteus is also a common cause of food poisoning. In addition to causing intestinal diseases, this bacteria can also cause infections in many other organs of the body.

Whipple disease or intestinal lipodystrophy is a gastrointestinal infection that affects the digestion and absorption of food in the intestines. The bacteria that cause the disease enter the body through the intestinal mucosa, then travel through the blood to various organs in the body. The mortality rate of the disease is quite high if not treated promptly.