Travelers Diarrhea
Overview of travelers Diarrhea
Between 20 and 50% of those who travel to the developing countries will developat least one episode of diarrhea every year, thus making it the most commonmedical ailment afflicting travelers.1 Although most cases of travelers’ diarrhea (TD) are mild and of short duration, it can result in significant morbidity.1
Destination is the most significant risk factor for developing TD. The most common causes are bacterial contamination of food and water, particularly with Escherichia coli. A simple approach to the management of TD includes rehydration, loperamide and a 3-day course of antimicrobials. The antibiotics of choice are fluoroquinolones or azithromycin, with an emerging role for rifaximin.2 Dietary precautions are the mainstay of prevention.
Ocurence of travelers Diarrhea in different groups
Travel destination is the most important risk factor for TD.Regions with the highest risk are Africa, South Asia, Latin America and Middle East.3 The host risk factors associated with increased susceptibility to diarrhea include young age, lack of previous travel to high-risk areas in the past 6 months, immunocompromised state, indiscriminate food and beverage consumption and host genetics.4
The most important etiologic agents of TDare bacterial pathogens. Bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Campylobacter, Salmonella, and Shigella are common causes of TD, whereas parasites and viruses are less common etiologies. The toxin produced by these organisms activates a series of intestinal reactions leading to secretory type of diarrhea.
Symptoms of travelers Diarrhea
Symptoms of travelers diarrhea
Traveler’s diarrhea is usually characterized by the passageof at least three unformed stools within a 24-h period, associatedwith gastrointestinal problems such asnausea, vomiting, fever, abdominal pain, tenesmus or the passage of bloody or mucoid stools.
Management of travelers Diarrhea
Management of travelers darrhea
Fluid replacement remains the first step in the treatment of TD. As antibiotics reduce the duration and severity of TD and generally are well tolerated, providing empiric antibiotic therapy can effectively reduce morbidity from the condition.
Prevention of travelers Diarrhea
Prevention of travelers diarrhea
Immunization plays an almostaninsignificant role in the prevention of TD, as many vaccinesare not yet commercially available.
Precautions need to be taken while travelling
Precautions while travelling
Travelers to developing countries have diarrhea due to consumption of contaminated food or water. If you are traveling to developing countries you are advised to carry anti diarrheal medication and thermometer to check the body temperature.
Written by: Healthplus24 team
Date last updated: August 10, 2011