%0 Comparative Study
%T Intestinal colonization with extended-spectrum beta-lactamase producing Enterobacterales (ESBL-PE) during long distance travel: A cohort study in a German travel clinic (2016-2017).
%A Meurs L
%A Lempp FS
%A Lippmann N
%A Trawinski H
%A Rodloff AC
%A Eckardt M
%A Klingeberg A
%A Eckmanns T
%A Walter J
%A Lübbert C
%A
%J Travel Med Infect Dis
%V 33
%N 0
%D Jan 2020 0
%M 31770602
%F 20.441
%R 10.1016/j.tmaid.2019.101521
%X Intercontinental travel contributes to the spread of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase producing Enterobacterales (ESBL-PE). We assessed risk factors for intestinal ESBL-PE colonization in people travelling to low and middle income countries in the tropics and subtropics to better understand how travel affects ESBL-PE spread.
This prospective cohort study in travellers attending a travel clinic in Leipzig, Germany was conducted in 2016-2017. Information on risk factors related to travel, symptoms, antibiotic use, health care usage, accommodation, destination, diet and hygiene was collected by questionnaire after travel. Stools were phenotypically tested for ESBL-PE before and after travel. Risk factors for ESBL-PE colonization were identified using logistic regression.
Of the 230 travellers that were ESBL-PE negative before travelling, 23% (n = 53) travellers returned positive. Multivariable analyses showed that age, type of accommodation and travelling to Asia were associated with ESBL-PE colonization.
Given that a considerable amount of travellers returned with ESBL-PE, we recommend raising awareness in returning high-risk travellers, e.g. those returning from high-risk areas. They should be aware that they may carry antimicrobial-resistant bacteria after travel, and how they can prevent its spread. The role of the type of accommodation as a factor favouring intestinal colonization with ESBL-PE requires further investigation.