From the Research
For treating traveler's diarrhea in Tanzania, azithromycin is the recommended first-line antibiotic, typically prescribed as a single 1000 mg dose or 500 mg daily for 3 days. This recommendation is based on the most recent and highest quality study available, which suggests that azithromycin is effective in reducing symptom severity and duration of illness 1.
Key Points to Consider
- Azithromycin is the preferred first-line antibiotic for the treatment of acute watery diarrhea, as well as for febrile diarrhea and dysentery 2.
- Fluoroquinolones like ciprofloxacin are an alternative option but less preferred due to increasing bacterial resistance in East Africa 2, 1.
- Treatment should be accompanied by adequate fluid intake to prevent dehydration, and oral rehydration solutions are beneficial.
- Antibiotics should be used only for moderate to severe diarrhea (multiple watery stools with fever or blood) rather than mild cases.
- Travelers should pack these medications before their trip, as quality and availability of pharmaceuticals in Tanzania may vary.
- Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) can also help manage symptoms while the antibiotics work against the infection 1, 3.
Additional Considerations
- The choice of antibiotic should take into consideration the travel destination and the prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in that region 2, 4.
- Azithromycin is superior to ciprofloxacin in decreasing the excretion of Campylobacter species and as effective as ciprofloxacin in shortening the duration of illness 5.