[Comparative results of coprological tests for the detection of intestinal amebae and flagellates in 200 male homosexuals. An appraisal of the risk of amebiasis].

When comparing the results of coprological tests carried out in optimal conditions among 200 male homosexuals (MHS) (1) and 500 male heterosexuals, most of whom were suffering from intestinal disorders, it was found that 52% of MHS and only 3.6% of heterosexuals were Ent. histolytica carriers. The 14 to 1 ratio shows the "uncorrected" relative risk of amoebiasis among MHS, which becomes a 10-12 to 1 corrected relative risk, after taking into account intervening factors. Travelling to the tropics does not increase the incidence of amoebiasis among examined MHS. The occurrence rates of Ent. coli, End. nana, Giardia are higher among MHS, and the rates of two species which are usually rare, Pseudolimax (or Iodamoeba) and Enteromonas (flagellate of the colon), rise sharply in this group, although the occurrence rates of the other protozoa stay at the same level in both groups. Presently, we are unable to explain fully these different behaviors. The highly increased presence of intestinal protozoa and the unusual prevalence of some species among the MHS condition numerous and diversified parasitic associations. Some associations found only among MHS indicate oro-faecal contamination which is the only way for direct transmission of protozoa between individuals.