'I have been back from holiday for a week and still have diarrhoea'

Abstract

In chronic diarrhoea non-infective causes have to be considered. Acute diarrhoea is caused by salmonella campylobacter species, shigella, E. coli and certain viruses such as rotavirus. Antibiotic treatment is advisable for campylobacter enteritis and giardiasis. Persistence of the infective organism in the stools carries only a minimal risk to public health. Few travellers from northern Europe visiting mediterranean or tropical countries escape without at least one loose stool. Fortunately in most instances the bowel upset is transient and self limiting, but sometimes diarrhoea may be severe or persistent, ruining the holiday or interfering with business or other commitments. In a few travellers diarrhoea may continue after return.