The investigators performed metagenomic sequencing on DNA extracted from the stool of 273 US travelers before and after they travelled internationally. They used Kraken2 to assess the microbial gut composition before using the Resistance Gene Identifier (RGI) and ResFinder to map the antibiotic resistance gene (ARG) content.

Investigators specifically examined the change in gut profile and resistome associated with (1) all international travel, (2) travel to certain geographic regions, and (3) traveler’s diarrhea.

The results showed a clear perturbation in the gut biome after traveling internationally. This change was greater in participants who were already receiving treatment for diarrhea during their travel. Regardless of health outcome, there was an observed loss in microbial diversity after travel (p=0.011), but this was loss was most significant and consistent in travelers to Southeast Asia (SEA; loss of gut diversity 81%).

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