[Infectious diarrhea]

Abstract

Infectious diarrhea is a very common, usually self-limited disease. Among travellers to developing countries, diarrhea is by far the most common medical problem. The intake of sufficient glucose-electrolyte solutions is the most important step to prevent dehydration. Loperamide may be prescribed as a valuable antimotility agent: however, this drug should not be used in patients with high fevers, bloody diarrhea and severe abdominal cramps. Stool cultures are recommended in cases without improvement, when clostridium difficile is suspected and when multiple cases occur. Antibiotics are indicated for treatment of certain microorganisms, for patients with immunosuppression and in dysenteric syndromes. They are not recommended for prophylaxis on a routine basis.