New Tools to Test Stool: Managing Travelers' Diarrhea in the Era of Molecular Diagnostics

Infect Dis Clin North Am. 2019 Mar;33(1):197-212. doi: 10.1016/j.idc.2018.10.012.

Abstract

Travelers' diarrhea affects up to 60% of visitors to tropical and subtropical regions. Although symptoms are generally self-limited, some infections are associated with significant morbidity and occasional mortality. Newer molecular diagnostic techniques allow for highly sensitive, specific, and expeditious testing of a wide range of potential pathogens. Identification of the causative pathogen of travelers' diarrhea allows for targeted therapy and management and a reduction in empiric broad-spectrum coverage.

Keywords: Diagnostics; Enteric infections; Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli; Molecular testing; Multiplex PCR; Shigella; Travelers’ diarrhea.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Infective Agents / therapeutic use
  • Diarrhea / diagnosis*
  • Diarrhea / drug therapy
  • Diarrhea / microbiology
  • Dysentery, Bacillary / diagnosis
  • Escherichia coli Infections / diagnosis
  • Feces / microbiology*
  • Humans
  • Molecular Diagnostic Techniques*
  • Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Travel-Related Illness*

Substances

  • Anti-Infective Agents