(June 11, 2008 - Insidermedicine) An experimental new skin patch vaccine may help travelers avoid diarrhea, according to early research published in The Lancet.

Here are some facts about traveler’s diarrhea:

•    It is most commonly caused by a type of bacteria known as Enterotoxigenic E coli, or ETEC.

•    ETEC and other bacteria that cause traveler’s diarrhea are picked up from contaminated food or drinks.

•    It usually lasts four to five days and is associated with frequent loose stools, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, prostration, and dehydration.

Researchers out of IOMAI Corporation in Gaithersburg randomized nearly 200 adults traveling to Mexico or Guatemala to receive a patch containing minute amounts of a toxin released by ETEC or a placebo patch. The patches were delivered to the patients two to three weeks apart prior to travel.

Overall, the rate of diarrhea was 15% for those who received the active skin patch, compared with 22% for those who received the inactive one. The active patch was 75% effective at preventing moderate-to-severe diarrhea and 84% effective at preventing severe diarrhea.

We had a chance to speak with Dr. Gregory Glenn from the IOMAI Corporation, who offered us some further insight into this study.

Today’s research demonstrates that a skin patch-based vaccine against diarrhea may help ward off diarrhea for travelers as well as for those living in the developing world, where diarrhea kills nearly 400,000 children annually.

For Insidermedicine in Depth, I'm Dr. Susan Sharma.