The irrational use of antibiotics to treat travelers' diarrhea can lead to the spread of super-bacteria that are resistant to antimicrobials.

These are the results of a new study conducted in Finland.

Scientists recommend the use of antibiotics in this disease only in severe cases.

The results of the study, organized by Dr. Anu Kantele, an expert on infectious diseases from the University Hospital of Helsinki (HUS), were published on January 22 in the journal Clinical Infectious Diseases.

"The overwhelming majority of cases of travelers' diarrhea proceed easily and do not need treatment," says Dr. Kantele in his article.

Scientists surveyed 430 residents of Finland before and after their trip abroad. About 20% of those who went to tropical and subtropical regions, returned to their homeland with antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria in the intestine.

One of the risk factors for colonization with antibiotic-resistant bacteria was the diarrhea of ??travelers who were treated with antibiotics. More than one-third of travelers who took antibiotics returned home with such strains.

Much depends on the region of the world. For example, more than 80% of tourists who traveled to South Africa and took antibiotics for travelers' diarrhea became carriers of resistant strains. Other high-risk regions: Southeast Asia, East Asia, North Africa, Middle East.

Researchers note that those tourists who were infected with resistant bacteria usually did not develop symptoms of infection. But at the same time, they could well distribute overseas superbugs in Finland.

"Over 300 million people visit these high-risk regions every year. If about 20% of them become carriers of resistant intestinal bacteria, then a fantastic number is obtained. This is a very serious cause for concern. The only positive thing is that such colonization of the intestine is usually temporary, and lasts about six months, "writes Kantele.

Tourists who travel abroad must be informed of the safe treatment of travelers' diarrhea. They should be cautious about taking antibiotics and try to dispense with over-the-counter drugs, until the doctor recommends another. Also, when diarrhea travelers are advised to drink plenty of fluids. If dehydration has developed, there is blood in the stool or high fever, you need to go to the hospital.

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