EPIDEMIOLOGY OF DIARRHEA IN SPANISH TRAVELERS IN DEVELOPING-COUNTRIES

BACKGROUND: Travellers' diarrhea (TD) is the most frequent problem in travellers going to the developing countries. This paper analyses the prevalence of the syndrome by geographical areas as well as the risk factors in 2209 Spanish travellers to 3 continents. METHODS: Epidemiological data were gathered through a personnel interview filled by the travellers during their return trip. Those were introduce in a DbaseIII plus computer program and were evaluated through the Epi Info program. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of TD found was 41 %. The Indian subcontinent, the Middle East and Moghreb countries showed a higher prevalence of TD. Trekkers and people on boat cruises (Nile and Amazon) had the highest prevalence of TD. The consumption of non-carbonic drinks and ice creams was significantly associated to TD. Travellers with previous gastrointestinal illnesses suffered more TD than others. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the fact that Spain in considered an area of intermediate risk for TD we found no significant differences in the prevalence of TD in Spanish travellers when compared with other published series from developed countries.