Antibiotic treatment for travellers' diarrhoea.

• From: Department for International Development
• Published: 1 January 2000

• Document Type: Literature Review
• Theme: Health
• Authors: Hahn, S., de Bruyn, G., Borwick, A.

Abstract

Antibiotic treatment reduces duration and severity of travellers' diarrhoea. Diarrhoea is a common problem for travellers, particularly travellers going from developed to less developed nations. The illness is frequently caused by a bacterial infection. Although the illness is unlikely to result in death, diarrhoea can disrupt travel plans and lead to severe or incapacitating symptoms. The review showed that antibiotic treatment shortens the duration and severity of diarrhoea. Persons taking antibiotics reported more side effects, but most side effects were minor, or resolved on stopping the antibiotic.

Citation

The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2000, Issue 3. Art. No.: CD002242. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD002242.

Links

Antibiotic treatment for travellers’ diarrhoea.

Published 1 January 2000