Which bacteria is primarily associated with traveler's diarrhea?

The bacteria primarily associated with traveler's diarrhea is Campylobacter jejuni. This organism is well-known for causing gastrointestinal infections, particularly in individuals who are traveling to countries where sanitation and food handling practices may be questionable. Campylobacter jejuni is commonly found in undercooked poultry, unpasteurized milk, and untreated water, making it a significant risk factor for travelers consuming local cuisine or drinking water from unsafe sources.

Traveler's diarrhea typically manifests as a sudden onset of diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and sometimes fever. While other bacteria, such as Salmonella Enteritidis and Shigella flexneri, can also cause gastrointestinal illnesses, they are less frequently the primary culprit in cases of travel-related diarrhea compared to Campylobacter jejuni. This makes it vital for travelers to be aware of proper food and water hygiene to avoid infection. The choice of C correctly identifies the most common bacterial cause of this condition.