The returned traveller with diarrhoea.
BACKGROUND
Traveller's diarrhoea is among the most frequently reported problems for travellers. Prevention remains a challenge in travellers and the appropriate management of traveller's diarrhoea remains paramount.


OBJECTIVE
This article provides an overview of the general approach to diarrhoea in the returned traveller, including identification of common causes and management.


CONCLUSIONS
The most common causes of traveller's diarrhoea are bacterial contamination of food and water, particularly with enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli. Most cases of traveller's diarrhoea are mild, are of short duration and do not require antibiotic treatment. Where the diarrhoea is severe, bloody and/or prolonged, then laboratory investigation is necessary. Where the patient is severely ill and possibly septicaemic, blood culture is mandatory. Presently, one of the most useful groups of the antibiotics routinely available for treatment is the fluoroquinolones.
Goldsmid
John M
JM
Discipline of Pathology, University of Tasmania, Australia. j.m.goldsmid@utas.edu.au
Leggat
Peter A
PA
D000553:Ambulatory Care / Q000379:methods; D000930:Antidiarrheals / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001315:Australia; D003906:Developing Countries; D003967:Diarrhea / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000382:microbiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D005194:Family Practice / Q000379:methods*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D010349:Patient Compliance; D012648:Self Care / Q000379:methods; D014195:Travel
D000930:Antidiarrheals