TRAVEL MEDICINE AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE 2
International travelling has increased significantly in the past few decades, attributed to
globalization. More than 3 billion individuals travel across borders. Many people travel for
vacations, business, and visiting relatives and friends (Aw et al., 2014). Additionally, many
uncounted travellers' cross borders to evade prosecutions or in search of better opportunities.
Travellers are likely to be exposed to numerous risks and pathogens, at least 20%-60% of
travellers report of having health complications during their travel (Aw et al., 2014). During
international travel, individuals are likely to seek medical attention; some may require
emergency medical evacuations, while others may die (Morens & Fauci, 2013).
Globally the increase in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a threat not only to
contemporary medicine but also a significant challenge to the practice of travel medicine. The
rise in international travel contributes to the spread of antimicrobial resistance (Frost, Van-
Boeckel, Pires, Craig & Laxminarayan, 2019). Resistant microorganisms and infections have
increased mortality and morbidity. In addition, they place a significant burden on health care
systems than other diseases brought about by susceptible microorganisms.
Travellers visiting regions with a high prevalence of AMR are likely to be exposed to
resistant bacteria and are likely to carry the bacteria's back to their origin. The AMR bacteria are
located in different regions across the globe however the difference between areas is attributed to
various factors including the level of antibiotic consumption, availability of sanitation and clean
water, vaccination coverage and presence of quality medical care and access to high-quality
medical supplies (Frost et al., 2019).
Human migration favors the development of infectious diseases through numerous
channels. During travel, individuals transfer their genetic makeup and accumulated immunologic
characteristics. Travellers can carry the microorganisms in or on their bodies and are likely to

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