BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to determine the characteristics of overseas travel-associated pathogens according to species, traveler’s age and country using the National Surveillance Data (Enter-Net). The study aimed to provide basic data to prevent the entry of foreign diseases into Korea.
METHODOLOGY: From January to December 2014-2016 at Incheon International Airport Quarantine area, rectal swabs were collected from 7,036 patients with overseas travel-associated diarrhea. To identify the pathogenic bacteria, the collected specimens were analyzed according to patient’s age and nationality. Identification and analysis procedure of the pathogens were conducted based on the Guidelines of National Institute of Health Diagnostic Laboratory(2005).
RESULTS: Among the 7,036 specimens, pathogenic bacteria that caused diarrhea were isolated in 5,578 specimens(79.3%). Isolation rate was the highest during vacation season(January, February, July, and August). Pathogenic E. coli showed the highest isolation rate(89.8%). Isolation rate of pathogenic bacteria according to country was the highest in Vietnam(22.4%), followed by Indonesia(16.7%), and then Cambodia(16.2%).
CONCLUSIONS: Travelers to East-Asian countries including Vietnam, Indonesia and Cambodia should be provided with hygiene education. Continuous monitoring of the pathogens is still required. In addition, efficient information system and surveillance project for infection prevention should be continued.