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Chai JY, Seo M, Shin DH. Paleoparasitology research on ancient helminth eggs and larvae in the Republic of Korea. PARASITES, HOSTS AND DISEASES 2023; 61:345-387. [PMID: 38043533 PMCID: PMC10693964 DOI: 10.3347/phd.23085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
Paleoparasitology is a discipline that applies existing conventional and molecular techniques to study parasites found in ancient ruins. This review focuses on the history of the discovery of parasites (mostly helminth eggs and larvae) in archaeological soil samples and mummies in Korea from the Three Kingdoms Period to the Joseon Dynasty (100 BCE-1910 CE). We also briefly review important milestones in global paleoparasitology. The helminth species reported so far in Korea included Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, Strongyloides stercoralis (larva), Trichostrongylus sp. (larva), Paracapillaria philippinensis (syn. Capillaria philippinensis), Enterobius vermicularis, Fasciola hepatica, dicrocoeliids, Paragonimus westermani, Clonorchis sinensis, Metagonimus yokogawai, Pygidiopsis summa, Gymnophalloides seoi, Isthmiophora hortensis, Dibothriocephalus nihonkaiensis (syn. Diphyllobothrium nihonkaiense), and Taenia spp. tapeworms. The findings obtained by Korean paleoparasitologists/archaeologists have brought about deep insight into the status of helminthic infections in Korea's past populations. Continued paleoparasitological research is essential for further understanding of ancient parasites and parasitic diseases in Korea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jong-Yil Chai
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080,
Korea
| | - Min Seo
- Department of Parasitology, Dankook University College of Medicine, Cheonan 31116,
Korea
| | - Dong Hoon Shin
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080,
Korea
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Flammer PG, Smith AL. Intestinal helminths as a biomolecular complex in archaeological research. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2020; 375:20190570. [PMID: 33012232 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2019.0570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Enteric helminths are common parasites in many parts of the world and in the past were much more widespread both geographically and socially. Many enteric helminths are relatively long-lived in the human host, often benign or of low pathogenicity while producing large numbers of environmentally resistant eggs voided in the faeces or found associated with individual remains (skeletons and mummies). The combination of helminth characters offers opportunities to the field of historical pathogen research that are quite different to that of some of the more intensively studied high impact pathogens. Historically, a wealth of studies has employed microscopic techniques to diagnose infection using the morphology of the helminth eggs. More recently, various ancient DNA (aDNA) approaches have been applied in the archaeoparasitological context and these are revolutionizing the field, allowing much more specific diagnosis as well as interrogating the epidemiology of helminths. These advances have enhanced the potential for the field to provide unique information on past populations including using diseases to consider many aspects of life (e.g. sanitation, hygiene, diet, culinary practices and other aspects of society). Here, we consider the impact of helminth archaeoparasitology and more specifically the impact and potential for application of aDNA technologies as a part of the archaeologists' toolkit. This article is part of the theme issue 'Insights into health and disease from ancient biomolecules'.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Adrian L Smith
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PS, UK
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Yeh HY, Zhan X, Qi W. A comparison of ancient parasites as seen from archeological contexts and early medical texts in China. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PALEOPATHOLOGY 2019; 25:30-38. [PMID: 30986655 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpp.2019.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2018] [Revised: 02/02/2019] [Accepted: 03/12/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
This paper integrates our knowledge from traditional Chinese medical texts and archeological findings to discuss parasitic loads in early China. Many studies have documented that several different species of eukaryotic endoparasites were present in early human populations throughout China. Nevertheless, comprehensive paleoparasitological records from China are patchy, largely due to taphonomic and environmental factors. An examination of early Chinese medical texts allows us to fill in some of the gaps and counteract apparent biases in the current archeoparasitological records. By integrating the findings of paleoparasitology with historic textual sources, we show that parasites have been affecting the lives of humans in China since ancient times. We discuss the presence and prevalence of three groups of parasites in ancient China: roundworm (Ascaris lumbricoides), Asian schistosoma (Schistosoma japonicum), and tapeworm (Taenia sp.). We also examine possible factors that favored the spread of these endoparasites among early humans. Therefore, this paper not only aims to reveal how humans have been affected by endoparasites, but also addresses how early medical knowledge developed to cope with the parasitic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Yuan Yeh
- School of Humanities, Nanyang Technological University, 48 Nanyang Ave, 639818, Singapore.
| | - Xiaoya Zhan
- School of Humanities, Nanyang Technological University, 48 Nanyang Ave, 639818, Singapore
| | - Wuyun Qi
- Institute of Archaeology, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Beijing, 100732, China
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Borba VH, Machado-Silva JR, Le Bailly M, Iñiguez AM. Worldwide paleodistribution of capillariid parasites: Paleoparasitology, current status of phylogeny and taxonomic perspectives. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0216150. [PMID: 31039193 PMCID: PMC6490956 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0216150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2018] [Accepted: 04/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Paleoparasitology, the study of parasites in the past, brings the knowledge of where and when they occurred in preterit populations. Some groups of parasites, as capillariids, have a complex and controversial systematic, hindering the paleoparasitological diagnosis. In this article, we synthesized the occurrence of capillariids in both the New and the Old World in ancient times, and discussed the difficulty of the diagnosis of species and the strategies for identification. The present review also shows the current status of the phylogeny in capillariids and indicates the necessity to try new approaches for a better understanding of capillariid paleodistribution. Methods For the systematic review, a predefined guideline defined by PRISMA was used. The articles collected were identified, screened, and included in the review following criteria for eligibility. The current status of the phylogeny of capillariids was accessed using MUSCLE, Bioedit v.7.0.5 and MEGA v. 7.0.21 programs. Results The review discussed 38 articles that presented information about capillariids in past populations. Most of capillariid eggs found in the New and Old World were not identified. However, Calodium hepaticum eggs were the most identified, as some from Eucoleus genus. It was observed that sites from the New World had a better chance for capillariid egg identification, due to previous knowledge of its host, when compared to the Old World. In the 18S rDNA phylogenetic analyses, two datasets were constructed, one including sequences from 7 Moravec’s genera, where 3 genus-specific clusters, with high bootstrap values, could be observed for Capillaria (ML = 99%, NJ = 96%), Eucoleus (ML / NJ = 100%) and Paratrichosoma (ML / NJ = 100%). A fourth cluster of 18S rDNA dataset I revealed lack of definition of Pearsonema and Aonchotheca genera. The 18S rDNA dataset II comprised 8 Moravec’s genera and defined 3 clusters, 2 genus-specific for Eucoleus (ML = 99%, NJ = 100%) and Capillaria (ML / NJ = 98%). The third 18S rDNA dataset II cluster included 6 genera and exhibited, once again, Pearsonema and Aonchotheca poor discrimination. The cox1 gene data consist of 4 Moravec’s genera, and in spite of grouping some species-specific clusters, did not show genera-specific definition. Conclusions Despite the numerous archaeological findings, both in the New and the Old Worlds, the identification of capillariid species based on the morphology and morphometry of eggs remains imprecise, often resulting in a generic diagnosis of a group or morphotype of capillariid. Capillariid is one of the most diverse group of helminths recovered in archaeological sites. The phylogenetic trees produced in this study showed limited genetic information available, unresolved genera and incongruence with the classical taxonomy. The elucidation of the paleodistribution of capillariids can give insights of the ancient host-parasite associations but also in modern sceneries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Hugo Borba
- Laboratório de Helmintologia Romero Lascasas Porto, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (FCM/UERJ), Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Laboratório de Biologia de Tripanosomatídeos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (IOC/FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - José Roberto Machado-Silva
- Laboratório de Helmintologia Romero Lascasas Porto, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (FCM/UERJ), Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Matthieu Le Bailly
- University of Bourgogne Franche-Comte, CNRS UMR 6249 Chrono-environment, Besançon, France
| | - Alena Mayo Iñiguez
- Laboratório de Biologia de Tripanosomatídeos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (IOC/FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- * E-mail:
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5
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Byard RW. Lethal strongyloidiasis - Diagnostic and forensic issues. J Forensic Leg Med 2019; 62:103-106. [PMID: 30738288 DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2019.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2018] [Accepted: 01/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Strongyloidiasis is an infectious disease affecting approximately 30-100 million people globally. The main human pathogen is Strongyloides stercoralis which may cause a brief period of acute symptoms and signs after the initial infection, and then lapse into a chronic asymptomatic carrier state for decades due to the nematode's unique ability to autoinfect hosts. Immunosuppression from steroid therapy, T-lymphocytic viral (HTLV-1) infections, or a variety of underlying medical conditions may then result in dissemination and the highly lethal and infectious hyperinfection syndrome. Clinical suspicions for the condition are often not high in non-endemic areas, the diagnosis is difficult, and the incidence is increasing, particularly given recent mass population movements. Indications of infection at autopsy include gastrointestinal ulceration and haemorrhage, with pulmonary oedema, congestion, haemorrhage and diffuse alveolar damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger W Byard
- School of Medicine, Level 2 Medical School North Building, The University of Adelaide, Frome Road, Forensic Science South Australia (FSSA), Adelaide, 5005, SA, Australia.
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Reinhard K. Reestablishing rigor in archaeological parasitology. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PALEOPATHOLOGY 2017; 19:124-134. [PMID: 29198394 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpp.2017.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2017] [Accepted: 06/24/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Archaeological parasitology originated in the mid-twentieth century with interdisciplinary teams of specialists directed by archaeologists. The goals of such studies were detailed analyses of dietary, medicinal, and environmental factors that shaped the patterns of infection. By the 1970s, a cadre of unique coprolite analysts was trained to analyze macroscopic and microscopic remains for integrated reconstructions of the cultural determinants of parasitism. During these first phases of research, diagnostic rigor was maintained by direct training of specialists in parasitology and archaeology sub-disciplines including archaeobotany and archaeopalynology. Near the end of the twentieth century, however, "paleoparasitology" was defined as a separate field focusing on defining parasite distribution through time and space. Ironically, this focus resulted in an increase in misdiagnosis, especially prominent after 2000. Paleoparasitology does not explicitly include other specialized studies in it research design. Thus, dietary, environmental and medicinal inferences have been neglected or lost as samples were destroyed solely for the purpose of parasitological analysis. Without ancillary archaeological studies, paleoparasitology runs the risk of separation from archaeological context, thereby reducing its value to the archaeologists who recover samples for analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karl Reinhard
- School of Natural Resources, Hardin Hall 719, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583-0987, United States.
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7
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Cho PY, Park JM, Hwang MK, Park SH, Park YK, Jeon BY, Kim TS, Lee HW. Discovery of Parasite Eggs in Archeological Residence during the 15th Century in Seoul, Korea. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2017; 55:357-361. [PMID: 28719964 PMCID: PMC5523905 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2017.55.3.357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2016] [Revised: 04/08/2017] [Accepted: 04/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
During civil engineering construction near Sejong-ro, Jongro-ku, Seoul, cultural sites were found that are thought to have been built in the 15th century. This area was home to many different people as well as the leaders of the Yi dynasty. To gain further insight into the life styles of the inhabitants of the old capital, soil samples were collected from various areas such as toilets, water foundations, and drainage ways. Parasite eggs were examined by microscopy after 5 g soil samples were rehydrated in 0.5% trisodium phosphate solution. A total of 662 parasite eggs from 7 species were found. Species with the highest number of eggs found were Ascaris lumbricoides (n=483), followed by Trichuris trichiura (138), Trichuris vulpis (21), Fasciola hepatica (8), Clonorchis sinensis (6), Paragonimus westermani (4), and Metagonimus yokogawai (2). These findings indirectly indicate the food habits of the people in Yi dynasty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pyo Yeon Cho
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon 22212, Korea
| | - Jung-Min Park
- Han Ul Research Institute of Cultural Heritage, Suwon 16348, Korea
| | - Myeong-Ki Hwang
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon 22212, Korea
| | - Seo Hye Park
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon 22212, Korea.,Department of Hygienic Research, Incheon Metropolitan City Public Health and Environment Research Institute, Incheon 22320, Korea
| | - Yun-Kyu Park
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon 22212, Korea
| | - Bo-Young Jeon
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, College of Health Sciences, Yonsei University, School of Public Health, Wonju 26493, Korea
| | - Tong-Soo Kim
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon 22212, Korea
| | - Hyeong-Woo Lee
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, College of Health Sciences, Yonsei University, School of Public Health, Wonju 26493, Korea
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8
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SEO MIN, OH CHANGSEOK, HONG JONGHA, CHAI JONGYIL, CHA SOONCHUL, BANG YURI, CHA INGUK, WI YANGGUN, PARK JUNGMIN, SHIN DONGHOON. Estimation of parasite infection prevalence of Joseon people by paleoparasitological data updates from the ancient feces of pre-modern Korean mummies. ANTHROPOL SCI 2017. [DOI: 10.1537/ase.160920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- MIN SEO
- Department of Parasitology, Dankook University College of Medicine, Cheonan
| | - CHANG SEOK OH
- Institute of Forensic Science, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul
| | - JONG HA HONG
- Institute of Forensic Science, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul
| | - JONG-YIL CHAI
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul
| | | | - YURI BANG
- Hanbaek Research Institute for Cultural Heritage, Seoul
| | - IN GUK CHA
- Honam Cultural Property Research Center, Damyang
| | - YANG GUN WI
- Gyeong-Sang Cultural Heritage Research Center, Jinju
| | - JUNG MIN PARK
- Hanul Research Institute of Cultural Heritage, Suwon
| | - DONG HOON SHIN
- Institute of Forensic Science, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul
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9
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Abstract
The paleomicrobiology of coprolites, which are fossilized fecal materials, has already yielded data about various organisms, including micro-eukaryotes, bacteria, and archaea, thus expanding our comprehension of ancient human dietary habits, gut microbiota, and intestinal and systemic infections. This mini-review briefly describes previous works and summarizes the main techniques used in handling coprolites and the findings obtained about ancient gut microbiota. Past intestinal and systemic infections are outlined.
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10
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Oh CS, Seo M, Hong JH, Chai JY, Oh SW, Park JB, Shin DH. Ancient mitochondrial DNA analyses of ascaris eggs discovered in coprolites from joseon tomb. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2015; 53:237-42. [PMID: 25925186 PMCID: PMC4416368 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2015.53.2.237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2014] [Revised: 02/25/2015] [Accepted: 03/03/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Analysis of ancient DNA (aDNA) extracted from Ascaris is very important for understanding the phylogenetic lineage of the parasite species. When aDNAs obtained from a Joseon tomb (SN2-19-1) coprolite in which Ascaris eggs were identified were amplified with primers for cytochrome b (cyt b) and 18S small subunit ribosomal RNA (18S rRNA) gene, the outcome exhibited Ascaris specific amplicon bands. By cloning, sequencing, and analysis of the amplified DNA, we obtained information valuable for comprehending genetic lineage of Ascaris prevalent among pre-modern Joseon peoples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Seok Oh
- Bioanthropology and Paleopathology Lab, Institute of Forensic Science, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 110-799, Korea
| | - Min Seo
- Department of Parasitology and Research Center for Mummy, Dankook University, Cheonan 330-715, Korea
| | - Jong Ha Hong
- Bioanthropology and Paleopathology Lab, Institute of Forensic Science, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 110-799, Korea
| | - Jong-Yil Chai
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 110-799, Korea
| | - Seung Whan Oh
- Hangang Institute of Cultural Heritage, Seoul 143-904, Korea
| | | | - Dong Hoon Shin
- Bioanthropology and Paleopathology Lab, Institute of Forensic Science, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 110-799, Korea
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11
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Warinner C, Speller C, Collins MJ, Lewis CM. Ancient human microbiomes. J Hum Evol 2015; 79:125-36. [PMID: 25559298 PMCID: PMC4312737 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhevol.2014.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2014] [Revised: 07/06/2014] [Accepted: 10/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Very recently, we discovered a vast new microbial self: the human microbiome. Our native microbiota interface with our biology and culture to influence our health, behavior, and quality of life, and yet we know very little about their origin, evolution, or ecology. With the advent of industrialization, globalization, and modern sanitation, it is intuitive that we have changed our relationship with microbes, but we have little information about the ancestral state of our microbiome, and we therefore lack a foundation for characterizing this change. High-throughput sequencing has opened up new opportunities in the field of paleomicrobiology, allowing us to investigate the evolution of the complex microbial ecologies that inhabit our bodies. By focusing on recent coprolite and dental calculus research, we explore how emerging research on ancient human microbiomes is changing the way we think about ancient disease and how archaeological studies can contribute to a medical understanding of health and nutrition today.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Warinner
- Department of Anthropology, University of Oklahoma, 101 David L. Boren Blvd., Norman, OK 73019, USA
| | - Camilla Speller
- Department of Archaeology, University of York, Wentworth Way, York, YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Matthew J Collins
- Department of Archaeology, University of York, Wentworth Way, York, YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Cecil M Lewis
- Department of Anthropology, University of Oklahoma, 101 David L. Boren Blvd., Norman, OK 73019, USA.
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Seo M, Araujo A, Reinhard K, Chai JY, Shin DH. Paleoparasitological studies on mummies of the Joseon Dynasty, Korea. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2014; 52:235-42. [PMID: 25031462 PMCID: PMC4096633 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2014.52.3.235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2013] [Revised: 05/12/2014] [Accepted: 05/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Paleoparasitology is the application of conventional or molecular investigative techniques to archeological samples in order to reveal parasitic infection patterns among past populations. Although pioneering studies already have reported key paleoparasitological findings around the world, the same sorts of studies had not, until very recently, been conducted in sufficient numbers in Korea. Mummified remains of individuals dating to the Korean Joseon Dynasty actually have proved very meaningful to concerned researchers, owing particularly to their superb preservation status, which makes them ideal subjects for paleoparasitological studies. Over the past several years, our study series on Korean mummies has yielded very pertinent data on parasitic infection patterns prevailing among certain Joseon Dynasty populations. In this short review, we summarized the findings and achievements of our recent paleoparasitological examinations of Joseon mummies and discussed about the prospects for future research in this vein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Seo
- Department of Parasitology, Dankook University College of Medicine, Cheonan 330-714, Korea
| | - Adauto Araujo
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, FIOCRUZ, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, Brasil
| | - Karl Reinhard
- School of Natural Resouces, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68588, USA
| | - Jong Yil Chai
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 110-799, Korea
| | - Dong Hoon Shin
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 110-799, Korea
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Seo M, Oh CS, Chai JY, Jeong MS, Hong SW, Seo YM, Shin DH. The changing pattern of parasitic infection among Korean populations by paleoparasitological study of Joseon Dynasty mummies. J Parasitol 2013; 100:147-50. [PMID: 24011353 DOI: 10.1645/12-60.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
In the coprolites of 4 recently discovered Joseon mummies of Korea, we found Ascaris lumbricoides , Trichuris trichiura , Metagonimus yokogawai , Paragonimus westermani , and Clonorchis sinensis eggs. The current finding was compared with previous paleoparasitological data, and with recent national survey data from Korea. For A. lumbricoides and T. trichiura , similar patterns of infection prevalence were observed between the national survey of 1961 and our current Joseon data. Some of the trematode species (C. sinenesis and P. westermani) showed much higher infection prevalences among the Joseon Koreans than among their 1960s descendants. The present results indicate that the decrease in trematode infection rates might have begun earlier than was the case for nematode infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Seo
- Department of Parasitology, College of Medicine and Research Center for Mummy, Dankook University, San 29, Anseo-dong, Cheonan 330-714, Korea
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14
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Kim MJ, Shin DH, Song MJ, Song HY, Seo M. Paleoparasitological surveys for detection of helminth eggs in archaeological sites of Jeolla-do and Jeju-do. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2013; 51:489-92. [PMID: 24039296 PMCID: PMC3770884 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2013.51.4.489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2013] [Revised: 07/27/2013] [Accepted: 07/31/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
A paleoparasitological survey to detect helminth eggs was performed in archaeological sites of Jeolla-do and Jeju-do, the Republic of Korea. Total 593 soil samples were collected in 12 sites of Jeolla-do and 5 sites of Jeju-do from April to November 2011, and examined by the methods of Pike and coworkers. A total of 4 helminth eggs, 2 eggs each for Trichuris trichiura and Ascaris sp., were found in soil samples from 1 site, in Hyangyang-ri, Jangheung-eup, Jangheung-gun, Jeollanam-do. The egg-recovery layer was presumed to represent a 19th century farm, which fact suggested the use of human manures. This is the third archaeological discovery of parasite eggs in Jeolla-do. Additionally, no helminth eggs in archaeological sites of Jeju-do is an interesting problem to be solved in the further investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myeong-Ju Kim
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan 330-714, Korea
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Shin DH, Oh CS, Chai JY, Ji MJ, Lee HJ, Seo M. Sixteenth century Gymnophalloides seoi infection on the coast of the Korean Peninsula. J Parasitol 2012; 98:1283-6. [PMID: 22524319 DOI: 10.1645/ge-2920.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Gymnophalloides seoi is a trematode species discovered as recently as 1993. Interestingly, ancient G. seoi eggs were identified in our earlier study on a 17th Century female mummy unearthed in a Korean county (HD-1) where G. seoi infection, according to a nationwide survey of 2001, was considered not to have been endemic. Although we suspected that the geographical distribution of G. seoi might have contracted over the past several hundred years from wider coastal areas on the Korean peninsula to the much more restricted region delineated by the survey, there has been only the single, above-noted report of an ancient G. seoi infection in a currently non-endemic area. As such, more evidence is needed before our contraction theory of G. seoi infection prevalence can be confirmed as fact. Our current report in this regard will perhaps help to end the controversy. In a newly discovered 17th Century male mummy found in another Korean county considered non-endemic by the 2001 survey, we identified a large number of ancient G. seoi eggs. We believe that this additional evidence for a wider distribution of G. seoi infection prior to the 20th Century is invaluable support for our earlier hypothesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Hoon Shin
- Department of Anatomy, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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Shin DH, Oh CS, Chai JY, Lee HJ, Seo M. Enterobius vermicularis eggs discovered in coprolites from a medieval Korean mummy. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2011; 49:323-6. [PMID: 22072838 PMCID: PMC3210855 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2011.49.3.323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2011] [Revised: 08/04/2011] [Accepted: 08/08/2011] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
While the presence of pinworm eggs in archaeological samples has been reported by many researchers in the New World, those have been detected very scarcely in the Old World, especially in East Asian countries. In fact, many parasite species were recovered from the archeological remains in Korea, eggs of Enterobius vermicularis had not been found. Recently, a female mummy buried in the 17th century was discovered in the Joseon tomb from Dangjin-gun, Chungcheongnam-do, Korea. After rehydration process for 12 days, investigations were carried on the luminal surface of the colon. From them, 3 eggs of E. vermicularis were recovered. They were elliptical, transparent with a thin egg shell, 50.3±5.2 µm (length) and 28.2±3.9 µm (width) in size. This is the first discovery of E. vermicularis eggs in East Asia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Hoon Shin
- Department of Anatomy, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 110-799, Korea
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Lee HJ, Shin DH, Seo M. Discovery of taeniid eggs from a 17th century tomb in Korea. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2011; 49:327-9. [PMID: 22072839 PMCID: PMC3210856 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2011.49.3.327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2011] [Revised: 04/25/2011] [Accepted: 04/29/2011] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Even though Taenia spp. eggs are occasionally discovered from archeological remains around the world, these eggs have never been discovered in ancient samples from Korea. When we attempted to re-examine the archeological samples maintained in our collection, the eggs of Taenia spp., 5 in total number, were recovered from a tomb of Gongju-si. The eggs had radially striated embryophore, and 37.5-40.0 µm×37.5 µm in size. This is the first report on taeniid eggs from ancient samples of Korea, and it is suggested that intensive examination of voluminous archeological samples should be needed for identification of Taenia spp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hye-Jung Lee
- Department of Parasitology and Research Center for Mummy, College of Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan 330-714, Korea
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