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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Giardiasis is one of the most common human protozoal infections worldwide. First-line therapy of giardiasis includes nitroimidazole antibiotics. However, treatment failure with nitroimidazoles is increasingly reported, with up to 45% of patients not responding to initial treatment. There is no clear consensus on the approach to the management of nitroimidazole-refractory giardiasis. This systematic review aims to summarize the literature on pharmacotherapy for nitroimidazole-refractory giardiasis. ⋯ Reports on the treatment of nitroimidazole-refractory giardiasis demonstrate a heterogeneous approach to treatment. Of these, quinacrine appeared to be highly effective, though more data on its safety are needed.
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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.