Story perspectives

Study Reveals Rising Antibiotic Resistance in Traveler's Diarrhea

12/30/2025

Summary

Story summary

A study published in JAMA Network Open finds traveler’s diarrhea is becoming harder to treat due to rising antibiotic resistance.
Researchers analyzed 859 cases from 58 tropical medicine centers worldwide and found resistance to fluoroquinolones and macrolides.
The researchers say overuse of antibiotics likely drives this resistance.
They recommend travelers consult a doctor for diarrhea rather than self-medicating, while noting over-the-counter medications may relieve symptoms without increasing resistance.

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Story summary

A study published in JAMA Network Open finds traveler’s diarrhea is becoming harder to treat due to rising antibiotic resistance.
Researchers analyzed 859 cases from 58 tropical medicine centers worldwide and found resistance to fluoroquinolones and macrolides.
The researchers say overuse of antibiotics likely drives this resistance.
They recommend travelers consult a doctor for diarrhea rather than self-medicating, while noting over-the-counter medications may relieve symptoms without increasing resistance.