[Travelers' diarrhea (author's transl)]

"Travelers' diarrhea" is an acute diarrhea sometimes associated with vomiting and afflicting travelers recently arrived in tropical or subtropical countries. Its incidence ranges from 20 to 50 p. 100. It may cause severe deshydratation which is dangerous for third age tourists with humoral or visceral impairments. Recovery must not be expected before 3 to 10 days. Viruses do not seem frequently responsible and, among other causes (salmonellae, shigellae, staphylococci), colibacilli have a main role. They give cholera-like syndromes due to two enterotoxines. Treatment is symptomatic. Prophylaxis is important and chemical drugs as methyl-5-oxine must be prescribed rather than antibiotics which may induce resistances.