Traveler’s diarrhea occurs due to the consumption of food and/or water contaminated with bacteria, parasites, or viruses, generally resulting from poor sanitation practices.[1] Infection leads to an increase in the excretion of fluid and electrolytes via the gastrointestinal tract, leading to diarrhea.[2]
Most cases of traveler’s diarrhea are caused by pathogenic bacteria, with Campylobacter jejuni, Escherichia coli, Salmonella species, and Shigella species being the most common.[3] If traveler’s diarrhea lasts more than 2 weeks, the infection is more likely to be due to a parasite such as Giardia intestinalis.[2][1].