Traveler’s diarrhea – more than an inconvenience

Would you be shocked to learn that an Australian pharmaceutical biotech company has been dosing people with potentially lethal E. coli over the last three months? 

Many travellers cannot find an approved preventive medication to treat their symptoms. 

Immuron is conducting a phase 2 clinical study to combat traveler’s diarrhea. The study involves exposing 60 healthy volunteers to a strain of E. coli to evaluate the effectiveness of hyperimmune cow colostrum in minimising the risk and managing symptoms of the condition. 

So far, the evidence has proven promising, which will be welcome news for the minds, mouths, and bottoms of the growing number of adventurers caught in some of the most remote places on Earth with their pants down. 

“Don’t stress. We have built-in stringent safety protocols into this clinical study, which we are confident will confirm the effectiveness of hyperimmune cow antibodies against certain infections in humans,” Immuron chief executive Steven Lydeamore assures me. 

Immuron aims to add to the data from its booming trade in over-the-counter products with facts about the efficacy of its novel treatment that could lead to its approval as a drug by the Food and Drug Administration. 

There are some real nasties out there. How bad can things get for people without access to treatments? 

Around 20 per cent of people experience severe symptoms requiring them to rest in bed, while 10 per cent of cases last for more than one week. Traveler’s diarrhea can be especially dangerous to young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems, as it can seriously threaten their health and well-being.  

Why is dehydration such a big concern in these types of situations? 

Dehydration, with or without an electrolyte imbalance, is a common complication, particularly among children.  

Do many people fail to consider the financial impact? 

People rarely consider this, but it’s an important consideration that must be addressed. It can disrupt business trips and vacations, and the financial loss and economic burden can be significant.  

It’s astounding to learn that TD is the leading cause of disability among international travelers’ to developing countries – What are the available treatment options now? 

Before travelling, research and consult with a travel medicine expert or primary care physician. Drink bottled water, avoid ice, and eat hot food to prevent traveler’s diarrhea. Antibiotics and over-the-counter medications can treat symptoms.  

Why have these illnesses become so prevalent nowadays? Has the world become more germ-infested, or are people more exposed? 

I suspect it has become more common due to increased travel to developing countries and antimicrobial resistance. International travel contributes to the global spread of antimicrobial resistance. Travelers’ diarrhea exacerbates the risk of acquiring multidrug-resistant organisms and can lead to persistent gastrointestinal disturbance post-travel. 

How does one become involved in this critically important field of science? 

I was initially involved in mining but caught the bug and moved to biotechnology. I am passionate about the sector and Australia’s enormous contribution. That led me initially to F.H. Faulding & Co. Limited, managing finances and supporting business growth in Adelaide. Purpose-driven innovation is possible, which has made me so committed to seeing out my career in this industry.  

Bringing a drug to market is a long process – What have you learned along the way? 

People are a biotech company’s most valuable asset. This rings true in life, but teamwork is essential for success in this field. It is impossible to do everything alone, so delegating tasks is crucial. Even if you believe you are the only one with the necessary skills and experience, you should still focus on developing your team. Not only is it the right thing to do, but it also leads to better engagement. All employees should have access to development opportunities. 

A new level of discomfort

Tammy Whelan’s TikTok account shares a harrowing retelling of her experience with a gastrointestinal illness while on holiday in Bali. Her story serves as a candid warning to other travellers to avoid a similar situation. Tammy was confined to a distance of less than four meters from her toilet to prevent gushes of vomit and poo painting the floor of her dingy hotel room during her nightmarish 24-hour ordeal. 

But a recent Delta passenger’s poo-ridden experience mid-air has taken the problem to new heights. Footage showed a messy trail of diarrhea left by the struggling jetsetter that forced the US airliner back to Atlanta two hours into its flight to Spain. 

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