[Acute infectious diarrhea: current treatment and perspectives].

Acute infectious diarrhea is a worldwide public health problem. In developing countries it remains a major cause infant mortality despite therapeutic progress, especially with regard to the efficacy of oral rehydration, during the last two decades. Mortality in industrialized countries is much lower and generally stable. In most cases, acute diarrhea is a self-limiting illness that resolves with or without symptomatic treatment in a few days. In view of the high frequency and generally benign course of diarrheal diseases, management must emphasize a cost-effective approach with selective use of available diagnostic methods. The initial approach should be based on the patient's history, physical examination, and risk factors to identify infections that require more specific measures. The purpose of this report is to review currently available drug therapies and to describe treatment guidelines for adolescents and adults with uncompromised immune systems. Early rehydration is still the mainstay of treatment. Use of "etiological" treatment using antimicrobial or antiparasitic agents depends on the severity of disease and risk factors.