What is the antibiotic of choice for traveller's diarrhoea?

What is the antibiotic of choice for traveller's diarrhoea?

• A. Ciprofloxacin
• B. Doxycycline
• C. Amoxicillin
• D. Azithromycin

Answer: (D)

When travelers’ diarrhea is treated empirically, the choice of antibiotic must account for rising resistance to common drugs in many travel destinations. Fluoroquinolones like ciprofloxacin have become less reliable due to high resistance in enteric pathogens such as Campylobacter and others. Azithromycin remains active against the main pathogens causing traveler's diarrhea, including Campylobacter, Shigella, Salmonella, and enterotoxigenic E. coli, and it is effective across regions with fluoroquinolone resistance. It also has convenient dosing and a good safety profile, making it the preferred option for empirical therapy in many travelers. A typical course is a single higher dose on day one followed by a short subsequent course, but exact regimens can vary by guideline and region.

When travelers’ diarrhea is treated empirically, the choice of antibiotic must account for rising resistance to common drugs in many travel destinations. Fluoroquinolones like ciprofloxacin have become less reliable due to high resistance in enteric pathogens such as Campylobacter and others. Azithromycin remains active against the main pathogens causing traveler's diarrhea, including Campylobacter, Shigella, Salmonella, and enterotoxigenic E. coli, and it is effective across regions with fluoroquinolone resistance. It also has convenient dosing and a good safety profile, making it the preferred option for empirical therapy in many travelers. A typical course is a single higher dose on day one followed by a short subsequent course, but exact regimens can vary by guideline and region.