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Emporiatric enteritis: lessons learned from U.S. students in Mexico
Summary
US students in Mexico provide a model for studying travelers' diarrhea. Natural immunity develops with exposure, and certain food practices increase risk, though antibiotics like TMP/SMX can prevent and treat it.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
- Microbiology
Background:
- Travelers' diarrhea is a common illness affecting international travelers.
- Understanding the etiology and risk factors is crucial for prevention and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence, etiology, and risk factors of travelers' diarrhea in US students visiting Mexico.
- To assess the role of food and water in transmission and evaluate antimicrobial prophylaxis and treatment.
Main Methods:
- Observational study of US students in Mexico.
- Etiologic assessment of diarrheal illness.
- Risk factor analysis for food and water consumption.
- Evaluation of antimicrobial agents for prevention and treatment.
Main Results:
- High incidence of illness acquisition, with natural immunity developing over time, particularly against enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC).
- ETEC, Shigella, and unidentified agents were common causes; food, especially from Mexican homes, posed the highest risk.
- Improper food temperature storage and water contamination during rainy seasons were implicated.
- Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX) and trimethoprim (TMP) were effective for prevention and treatment.
Conclusions:
- US students in Mexico serve as a relevant model for travelers' diarrhea research.
- Foodborne transmission, particularly ETEC and Shigella, is significant, with home-prepared meals being riskiest.
- Antimicrobial agents like TMP/SMX offer effective prevention and treatment options.