What kinds of infection cause travelers' diarrhea?

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What kinds of infection cause travelers' diarrhea?

Related Topics: Diarrhea, Traveler's Diarrhea, Infection

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Phyllis Kozarsky, MD

Travel Health

CDC, Travelers Health Branch

13 Answers
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For the most part, we're talking about bacterial infections. Almost 90% of travelers' diarrhea cases are caused by bacteria. The enterotoxigenic E. coli [ETEC, strains of common bacteria that produce a toxin affecting the gut] are [the] most important cause. And then there are others such as salmonella, shigella, campylobacter, vibrio, and others that are less common.

Travelers' diarrhea may also be caused by viruses, such as norovirus, which is in the news a lot because of how quickly it can spread through a cruise ship.

Parasitic travelers' diarrhea is yet another kind. Giardia intestinalis is the most common of these, but there is a large number of parasites that can cause diarrhea. These are less frequent.

This answer should not be considered medical advice...This answer should not be considered medical advice and should not take the place of a doctor’s visit. Please see the bottom of the page for more information or visit our Terms and Conditions.

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