Travellers' diarrhoea

Aetiology

This can be caused many different organisms such as Enterotoxigenic E.Coli, Shigella, Entamoeba histolytica, Salmonella, Camplylobacter jejuni, Giardia lamblia, Cryptosporidia and rarely Vibrio cholerae. All these organisms are spread through the faecal/oral route.
Remember loose motions can also result from a change in diet including, for example, spicy or oily foods.

Prevention

This depends upon effective drinking water sterilization and ensuring food is uncontaminated or cooked thoroughly.
Personal hygiene when eating and drinking is also important including hand washing prior to eating and using sterile plates, cups and utensils. (See also below for tips on preventing food and water borne infections)

Vaccination

No vaccinations are currently available in Britain for any of these infections although an oral cholera vaccine is available in some countries and vaccines for E.Coli are under development.