Chemotherapy and Chemoprophylaxis of Travelers' Diarrhea

Excerpt

Diarrhea continues to occur among persons traveling from low risk parts of the world to developing areas where enteric infection is hyperendemic in the local population. The causes of travelers' diarrhea are varied; however, at least 80% of cases are produced by bacterial agents, which explains the remarkable efficacy of antimicrobial agents in the treatment and prevention of the illness. Although not entirely effective, exercising care in where and what one eats and drinks is the most practical means of reducing the likelihood of developing diarrhea while in areas of high risk. Some travelers might use chemoprophylactic measures while traveling.