Prevalence of enteric bacterial pathogens isolated from overseas travelers between 2015 and 2017

Jung Su-Mi, Kim Nan-Ok, Yun Young Sun, Hong Sahyun, Kang Byung Hak, Kim Jae Ok
Division of Bacterial Diseases, Center for Laboratory Control of Infectious Diseases, KCDC
Nam Jeong-Gu, Oh Chang Hyun
Inchon Airport National Quarantine Station, KCDC

Background: This study aimed to determine the characteristics of pathogens acquired during overseas travel according to species, as well as the age and country of the travelers concerned, using National Surveillance Data (Enter-Net). These data may assist preventing the introduction of exotic diseases into Korea.
Methodology: Rectal swabs taken from 9,228 overseas travelers with diarrhea were collected to identify pathogenic bacteria at the Incheon Airport Quarantine Office, from January 2015 to December 2017. Pathogenic bacteria were analyzed according to travelers’ age and countries visited. Identification and analysis of the pathogens were undertaken using the National Institute of Health Diagnostic Laboratory Guideline (2005).
Results: Among 9,228 specimens, diarrhea-causing pathogenic bacteria were isolated in 7,877 specimens (85.4%). The isolation rate was highest during the holiday seasons (January, February, July, and August). Among the pathogenic bacteria, pathogenic E. coli showed the highest isolation rate (89.4%). The isolation of pathogenic bacteria by country visited showed the highest rates related to the Philippines, China, Laos, Vietnam, Indonesia, Cambodia, and the UAE.
Conclusion: Hygiene education for people traveling to the East-Asian counties identified should be provided, and ongoing monitoring for pathogens is required. Moreover, an efficient information and surveillance system for infection prevention should continue.

Keywords: Gastroenteritis, Surveillance, Traveler's Diarrhea, Enteric Bacterial Pathogen, Travel