[Prevention and treatment of traveler's diarrhea]

Travelers' diarrhea (TD) affects 20-50 per cent of individuals going to developing countries in Asia, Africa, or Latin America. The etiology varies but is dominated by enterotoxigenic E. coli, found in 30-50 per cent. TD is usually a mild disease, self-limiting in 3-4 days, but 10 per cent of those afflicted have symptoms for one week or more. Prophylaxis of TD involves dietary restrictions and, in selected medical risk groups, antimicrobial drugs. The most important treatment of TD is oral rehydration and loperamide in mild to moderate, non-invasive illness. Antibiotics for self-treatment shall be restricted for medical risk groups and individuals travelling far from medical service.