[What is effective in traveler's diarrhea? Current recommendations on prevention, therapy and after care]

Traveller's diarrhea is almost always due to an infection with intestinal bacteria, viruses or parasites. The leading agents are the ubiquitous enterotoxic E. coli bacteria. Prophylaxis is achieved primarily by the strict avoidance of fecally contaminated food and drink--advice which, however, is often ignored. Chemoprophylactic measures include the use of probiotics, in particular Saccharomyces boulardii, with antibiotics being given only in special cases. Treatment consists mainly in the replacement of lost fluids and electrolytes in the form of oral rehydration solutions. Second-line treatment includes probiotics and antimotility agents such as loperamide. Antibiotics (quinolones) should be reserved for severe febrile forms of the condition.