Acquisition and Long-term Carriage of Multidrug-Resistant Organisms in US International Travelers

International travel contributes to the global dissemination of antibiotic resistance. In a prospective study of 608 US travelers, we determined that travel-related diarrhea and antibiotic use were associated with both acquisition and long-term carriage of multidrug resistant organisms. We performed prospective screening of stool for multidrug-resistant organisms from 608 US international travelers and identified an acquisition rate of 38% following travel. Carriage rates remained significantly elevated for at least 6 months post-travel. Travel-related diarrhea was a risk factor for acquisition, as well as for long-term carriage upon return.