Which pathogen is a common cause of traveler's diarrhea?

Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) is a well-known cause of traveler's diarrhea, particularly among individuals traveling to areas where sanitation practices may be poor and water sources are contaminated. ETEC is characterized by its ability to produce enterotoxins that lead to diarrhea and abdominal cramping. This organism is transmitted via contaminated food and water, making it a common risk for travelers seeking local cuisine.

In contrast, Clostridium difficile typically causes antibiotic-associated diarrhea rather than traveler's diarrhea and is often linked to healthcare-associated infections. Salmonella typhi is the causative agent of typhoid fever, which sometimes manifests as gastrointestinal symptoms but is less common as a cause of traveler's diarrhea specifically. Vibrio cholerae causes cholera, which presents with severe diarrhea and dehydration but is typically associated with outbreaks in endemic areas rather than individual cases of traveler's diarrhea. Thus, ETEC is the most relevant pathogen in the context of travel-related gastrointestinal illness.