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Multiplex Therapeutic Drug Monitoring by Isotope-dilution HPLC-MS/MS of Antibiotics in Critical Illnesses
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Antibiotics for Travelers: What's Good and What's Not

Kathryn N. Suh1, Jay S. Keystone

  • 1Division of Infectious Diseases, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, and the Department of Pediatrics, University of Ottawa; 401 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L1, Canada. ksuh@cheo.on.ca

Current Infectious Disease Reports
|January 22, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Antibiotics are crucial for preventing and treating bacterial and parasitic infections in international travelers. This review highlights key antibiotics for travel prophylaxis and self-treatment, especially for high-risk individuals.

Area of Science:

  • Travel Medicine
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • International travel is increasing, leading to a higher risk of travel-related illnesses.
  • Travelers face risks from both non-infectious causes (injuries, environmental factors) and infectious agents.
  • Infectious diseases acquired during travel can range from common infections to those geographically restricted.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review antibiotics of significant utility for international travelers.
  • To emphasize agents suitable for prophylaxis and self-treatment under specialist guidance.
  • To discuss the role of antibiotics in specific high-risk traveler populations.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of antibiotics relevant to travel medicine.
  • Focus on agents for bacterial and parasitic infections.
  • Consideration of safety and efficacy for prophylaxis and self-treatment.

Main Results:

  • Antibiotics are vital for managing bacterial and parasitic infections in travelers.
  • Specific antibiotic agents offer high utility for travel-related prophylaxis and treatment.
  • Guidance from travel medicine specialists is essential for safe and effective use.

Conclusions:

  • Antibiotics are indispensable tools in travel medicine for preventing and treating infections.
  • Appropriate antibiotic selection and use, guided by specialists, can mitigate travel-related health risks.
  • The review provides insights into antibiotic utility for general travelers and high-risk groups.

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