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Prophylaxis for travelers' diarrhea.
1Scripps Clinic, 10666 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA. singh.emily@scrippsclinic.com
Current Gastroenterology Reports
|July 21, 2009
Summary
Travelers' diarrhea impacts millions annually, often from contaminated food or water. While antibiotics can prevent it, they are typically reserved for high-risk travelers due to potential side effects.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
- Microbiology
Background:
- Travelers' diarrhea affects over 10 million individuals yearly, primarily through consuming contaminated food and water.
- While most cases self-resolve within 3-5 days, acute infections can lead to chronic complications.
- Prevention strategies include avoiding contaminated sources and, in select cases, prophylactic medication.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the epidemiology and prevention of travelers' diarrhea.
- To discuss the role and limitations of prophylactic antibiotics in preventing travelers' diarrhea.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing studies on travelers' diarrhea.
- Analysis of prevention strategies and antibiotic efficacy.
Main Results:
- Travelers' diarrhea is a common ailment contracted via contaminated food and water.
- Prophylactic antibiotics are effective but carry risks and are not suitable for the general traveler population.
Conclusions:
- Preventing exposure to contaminated sources is the primary strategy for travelers' diarrhea.
- Antibiotic prophylaxis for travelers' diarrhea should be used judiciously and only for specific at-risk individuals.
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