Prophylaxis for travelers' diarrhea.

Travelers' diarrhea affects more than 10 million people per year and is usually contracted through the ingestion of microbially contaminated food or water. Although most cases resolve in 3 to 5 days, chronic conditions are associated with acute infections. Prevention encompasses avoidance of ingesting contaminated products and, in certain situations, taking prophylactic medications. The available prophylactic antibiotics are very effective in prevention, but are recommended only for specific at-risk individuals and are contraindicated for most travelers.