Acquisition of multidrug-resistant bacteria and colistin resistance genes in French medical students on internships abroad.

Background: Acquisition of multidrug resistant bacteria (MDR) and colistin resistance genes by international travellers has been demonstrated. Studies conducted in medical students during internships abroad are scant.

Methods: Nasopharyngeal, rectal, and vaginal swabs samples were collected from 382 French medical students before and after travel to investigate the acquisition of MDR bacteria.

Infectious disease symptoms and microbial carriage among French medical students travelling abroad: A prospective study.

Background: In France, no previous studies have focused specifically on health problems among medical students during internships abroad including the clinical symptoms suggestive of infectious diseases and the acquisition of pathogen carriage.

Methods: Clinical follow up and qPCR based respiratory, gastrointestinal and vaginal pathogen carriage before and after travel were prospectively assessed in a cohort of medical students departing from Marseille, France.

Results: 134 students were included.