Journal of travel medicine
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Travellers' diarrhoea (TD) is the most common clinical syndrome affecting travellers. This narrative review summarizes key discoveries reported in the last two years related to TD and suggests areas for future research. ⋯ Globally, TD remains an important travel health issue and advances in our understanding continue. More research is needed to mitigate risk factors where possible and develop risk-based management strategies to reduce antibiotic usage and its attendant consequences.
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We assessed the compliance with self-collection of stool smears on Whatman® FTA® Elute Card (FTA Card) and detection of travellers' diarrhoea (TD)-associated pathogens by using a quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) assay [customized TaqMan® array card (TAC)] in a prospective, observational cohort of travellers. ⋯ FTA Cards are a useful adjunct to traditional stool collection methods for evaluating the pathogen-specific epidemiology of TD in austere environments. Qualitative detection of pathogens was associated with TD. Measures to improve compliance and quality of FTA Card collection with decreased storage duration may further optimize detection.