Traveler's Diarrhea

Traveler's diarrhea or traveller's diarrhoea (TD) is the most common illness affecting travelers. An estimated 10 million people—20% to 50% of international travelers—develop it annually. TD is defined as three or more unformed stools in 24 hours passed by a traveler, commonly accompanied by abdominal cramps, nausea, and bloating. Its diagnosis does not imply a specific organism, but enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli is the most commonly isolated pathogen. Most cases are self-limited; treatment is not routinely prescribed nor the pathogen identified unless symptoms become severe or persistent.