Coprophagia is extremely uncommon in humans. It is generally
thought to be the result of the paraphilia known as coprophilia,
although it is only diagnosable in extreme cases where it disturbs
one's functioning. From the medical literature, coprophagia has
been observed in a small number of patients with dementia,
schizophrenia[1] and depression[2]. Consuming other people's feces
carries the risk of contracting diseases spread through fecal
matter, such as hepatitis. Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, pneumonia, and
influenza vaccinations are generally recommended for those who
engage in this practice. Consuming one's own feces potentially
involves risk, as the bowel bacteria and eggs of parasitic worms
are not safe to ingest. Similar risk can apply to related sexual
practices, such as anilingus or inserting an object into the mouth
that has recently been in the anus (see ass to mouth). The practice
of coprophagia in humans is also depicted in a handful of motion
pictures. For examples see section Coprophagia in motion pictures
below.
Lewin (2001) reports that "... consumption of fresh, warm camel
feces has been recommended by Bedouins as a remedy for bacterial
dysentery; its efficacy (probably attributable to the antibiotic
subtilisin from Bacillus subtilis) was confirmed by German soldiers
in Africa during World War II."
