Travelers' diarrhea: An update on susceptibility, prevention, and treatment

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

12 Scopus citations

Abstract

Traditional risk factors do not explain the individual differences in susceptibility to travelers' diarrhea (TD) among the increasing number of travelers to the developing world. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms of the genes encoding for lactoferrin and interleukin 8 (IL-8) have been linked to susceptibility to TD. Subjects with mutations of the FUT2 gene are immune to norovirus infection. The recognition of individual variations in susceptibility to TD will aid in risk stratification of travelers to the developing world. Diagnosis is usually syndromic, but improved diagnostic methods are in development. Quinolones have been the mainstay of antibiotic treatment, but azithromycin (for resistant organisms) and rifaximin (for noninvasive organisms) may provide advantages. Transcutaneous vaccines for the major Escherichia coli enteropathogens are in development. In the future, travel advice, prophylactic medication regimens, and standby treatment for TD will be better tailored to each patient's specific risk factors.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)473-479
Number of pages7
JournalCurrent gastroenterology reports
Volume10
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - 2008

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Gastroenterology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Travelers' diarrhea: An update on susceptibility, prevention, and treatment'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this