Amoebiasis Risk Group Delimitation in Returnees from the Tropics and Subtropics

Amoebiasis is the tropical infection which seems to be most frequently imported by returnees from the tropics and subtropics [2]. The diagnosis of intestinal amoebiasis represents a problem in coprologic detection because of the need for multiple stool sampling. Six samples, taken on consecutive days and each subjected to both concentration technique and a stained smear, are required for 90% diagnosis of positive cases of intestinal amebiasis [3]. Sometimes ten samples are required for a diagnosis [1], which is inapplicable in all returnees. The purpose of the present study was the attempt to delimitate the risk group as concerns the presence of Entamoeba histolytica in returnees from its endemic areas.