[Travelers' diarrhea]

Abstract

Travelers' diarrhea is an acute infection of the gastrointestinal tract which has been known for many years, but which only recently has acquired epidemiologic and economic importance. The etiology is multiple and includes bacteria, viruses and protozoa, but the most frequently found agent is enterotogenic E. coli (ETEC). The symptomatology is characterized by watery acute diarrhea, without mucus, inflammatory cells and blood, usually without febrile elevation. The syndrome is normally self-limiting, without any specific antibiotic therapy, while antidiarrheal agents reduce entity and length of the symptomatology. Antimicrobial therapy is indicated in persistent forms only after ascertainment of the etiologic agent.