With ease of travel, more and more people travel across the oceans to visit industrialized and developing countries. The change in travel behavior has brought about an increase in incidence of infectious diseases that previously were uncommon, and emergence of pathogenic organisms that have become resistant to many commonly prescribed antibiotics. A survey of international travelers indicated that commonly perceived problems of this group are drinking water, sanitation, and food.<sup>32 Licciardone J. Health hazards reported by international travelers J Am Osteo Assoc 1999 ;  99 : 206-208  [cross-ref]

Cliccare qui per andare alla sezione Riferimenti</sup> Incidence of traveler's diarrhea depends on risk factors, such as destination, season, mode of travel, type of accommodation, origin of traveler, age of traveler, and eating pattern of traveler.<sup>6 Castelli F., Carosi G. Epidemiology of traveler's diarrhea Chemotherapy 1995 ;  41 (suppl 1) : 20-32  [cross-ref]

Cliccare qui per andare alla sezione Riferimenti</sup> A 2-week incidence data report on Swiss travelers commonly is used to categorize the world into low-risk, intermediate-risk, and high-risk regions (Figure 1). A large study conducted in Jamaica showed that in more than 30,000 travelers, the attack rate of diarrhea was 23.6%, and the incidence was 20.9%.<sup>43 Steffen R. , e al. Epidemiology, etiology, and impact of traveler's diarrhea in Jamaica JAMA 1999 ;  281 : 811-817  [cross-ref]

Cliccare qui per andare alla sezione Riferimenti</sup> Health care providers need to update constantly their knowledge of epidemiologic issues that are related to health in travelers so that they can manage travel-related illnesses effectively. This article reviews the cause, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diarrhea associated with travel. Evaluation and treatment of persistent diarrhea in returned travelers are described.