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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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Kim J, Seo M, Fujita H, Chai JY, Park JW, Jang JW, Jang IS, Shin DH. A parasitological study on the possible toilet ruins of the Japanese colonial period in Korea. PARASITES, HOSTS AND DISEASES 2023; 61:198-201. [PMID: 37258267 DOI: 10.3347/phd.23013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
In the past decade, experts have conducted parasitological research on archaeological specimens in Korea to collect historical parasite infection data. In these studies, parasitologists successfully described the infection pattern of each parasite species in history. However, in the first half of the 20th century, archaeoparasitological reports have been scant. In 2021, we conducted a parasitological examination of a toilet-like structure that emerged in the early 20th century. This structure was built by stacking 2 wooden barrels; and in the study samples, we found ancient Trichuris trichiura, Ascaris lumbricoides (unfertilized), and Taenia spp. eggs and therefore proposed a higher possibility that the barrels could have been used as a toilet at the time. To understand how the antihelminthic campaign since the 1960s helped reduce parasite infection rates in Korea, more research should focus on early-20th-century toilet ruins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jieun Kim
- Department of Anatomy, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea
| | - Min Seo
- Department of Parasitology, Dankook University College of Medicine, Cheonan 31116, Korea
| | - Hisashi Fujita
- Institute for the Study of Ancient Civilizations and Cultural Resourses, Kanazaawa University, Ishikawa 920-1192, Japan
- Paleo Labo, Co. Ltd., Saitama 335-0016, Japan
| | - Jong Yil Chai
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea
| | - Jin Woo Park
- Korea Research Institute of Military Heritage, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jun Won Jang
- Korea Research Institute of Military Heritage, Seoul, Korea
| | - In Soo Jang
- Korea Research Institute of Military Heritage, Seoul, Korea
| | - Dong Hoon Shin
- Department of Anatomy, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea
- Institute of Forensic Science, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea
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Hong ST, Yong TS. Review of Successful Control of Parasitic Infections in Korea. Infect Chemother 2020; 52:427-440. [PMID: 32869557 PMCID: PMC7533214 DOI: 10.3947/ic.2020.52.3.427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Korea had been one of hyperendemic countries of human parasitic infections until 1970s. In 1966, the Law for the Prevention of Parasitic Diseases was enacted, and the nationwide anti-parasitic control program began in 1969. The initiation of the national program was supported financially by Japan. The program included screening of whole students in Korea and treatment of all egg positive cases twice a year, and ended in 1995. In addition to student program, deworming campaign was run in the community, and 8 national status surveys were implemented from 1971 to 2012. Whole helminth egg positive rate was 84.3% in 1971 and decreased to 2.6% in 2012. Ascaris and other intestinal nematodes, Paragonimus, Taenia, and intestinal protozoa had decreased significantly throughout the country, but Clonorchis sinensis and intestinal trematodes are still prevalent locally in endemic areas. Lymphatic filariasis had been endemic in Jeju-do and other southern islands but elimination was endorsed in 2008. The control of parasitic infection in Korea was successful with statistical prevalence data, which can be a benchmarking model. In conclusion, the successful control in Korea could be achieved by social agreement of the priority, professional guidelines and systematic approach with good anthelminthics supply, and simultaneous economic growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung Tae Hong
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
| | - Tai Soon Yong
- Department of Environmental Medical Biology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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Seo M, Shim SY, Lee HY, Kim Y, Hong JH, Kim JE, Chai JY, Shin DH. Ancient Echinostome Eggs Discovered in Archaeological Strata Specimens from a Baekje Capital Ruins of South Korea. J Parasitol 2020. [DOI: 10.1645/19-55] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Min Seo
- Department of Parasitology, Dankook University College of Medicine, Chonan 31116, South Korea
| | - Sang-Yuck Shim
- The Baekje Culture Foundation, Buyeogun, Chungcheongnam-do 33160, South Korea
| | - Hwa Young Lee
- The Baekje Culture Foundation, Buyeogun, Chungcheongnam-do 33160, South Korea
| | - Yongjun Kim
- Lab of Bioanthropology, Paleopathology, and History of Diseases, Department of Anatomy/Institute of Forensic Science, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, South Korea
| | - Jong Ha Hong
- Lab of Bioanthropology, Paleopathology, and History of Diseases, Department of Anatomy/Institute of Forensic Science, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, South Korea
| | - Ji Eun Kim
- Lab of Bioanthropology, Paleopathology, and History of Diseases, Department of Anatomy/Institute of Forensic Science, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, South Korea
| | - Jong-Yil Chai
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, South Korea
| | - Dong Hoon Shin
- Lab of Bioanthropology, Paleopathology, and History of Diseases, Department of Anatomy/Institute of Forensic Science, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, South Korea
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Urbanization and Parasitism: Archaeoparasitology of South Korea. BIOARCHAEOLOGY AND SOCIAL THEORY 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-53417-2_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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ELLWANGER JOELHENRIQUE, KULMANN-LEAL BRUNA, KAMINSKI VALÉRIAL, VALVERDE-VILLEGAS JACQUELINEMARÍA, VEIGA ANABEATRIZGDA, SPILKI FERNANDOR, FEARNSIDE PHILIPM, CAESAR LÍLIAN, GIATTI LEANDROLUIZ, WALLAU GABRIELL, ALMEIDA SABRINAE, BORBA MAUROR, HORA VANUSAPDA, CHIES JOSÉARTURB. Beyond diversity loss and climate change: Impacts of Amazon deforestation on infectious diseases and public health. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 92:e20191375. [DOI: 10.1590/0001-3765202020191375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2019] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - LÍLIAN CAESAR
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul/UFRGS, Brazil
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Seo M, Oh CS, Hong JH, Chai JY, Ju JO, Shin DH. Ancient Soil-Transmitted Parasite Eggs Detected from the Sixth Century Three Kingdom Period Silla Tomb. J Korean Med Sci 2018; 33:e53. [PMID: 29349942 PMCID: PMC5777921 DOI: 10.3346/jkms.2018.33.e53] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2016] [Accepted: 01/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The parasitic infection patterns of the Joseon period have begun to be revealed in a series of paleoparasitological studies. However, parasitism prevailing during or before the Three Kingdom period is still relatively unexplored. In the present study, we therefore conducted parasitological examinations of soil and organic-material sediments precipitated upon human hipbone and sacrum discovered inside an ancient Mokgwakmyo tomb dating to the Silla Dynasty (57 BCE-660 CE). Within the samples, we discovered ancient Ascaris lumbricoides (eggs per gram [EPG], 46.6-48.3) and Trichuris trichiura (EPG, 32.8-62.1) eggs, the species commonly detected among Korean populations until just prior to the 1970s. These findings show that soil-transmitted parasitic infection among the Silla nobility might not have been uncommon. This is the first-ever report on the presence of ancient parasite eggs in the samples obtained from a Three Kingdom period tomb; and it also presents the earliest positive results for any of the ancient South Korean tombs paleoparasitologically examined to date.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Seo
- Department of Parasitology, Dankook University College of Medicine, Chonan, Korea
| | - Chang Seok Oh
- Lab of Bioanthropology, Paleopathology and History of Diseases, Department of Anatomy and Institute of Forensic Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jong Ha Hong
- Lab of Bioanthropology, Paleopathology and History of Diseases, Department of Anatomy and Institute of Forensic Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jong Yil Chai
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Korea Association of Health Promotion, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jin Og Ju
- Foundation of Silla Cultural Heritage Research Institute, Gyeongju, Korea
| | - Dong Hoon Shin
- Lab of Bioanthropology, Paleopathology and History of Diseases, Department of Anatomy and Institute of Forensic Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
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Shin DH, Chai JY, Hong JH, Seo M. Historical Details about the Meat Consumption and Taeniases in Joseon Period of Korea. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2017; 55:457-460. [PMID: 28877581 PMCID: PMC5594726 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2017.55.4.457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2017] [Revised: 07/17/2017] [Accepted: 07/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Previous paleoparasitological studies of Joseon specimens established that the prevalence of Taenia infection was not much different from that of the early 20th century Korean population. As many of taeniases originally diagnosed as Taenia saginata in South Korea were revealed to be actually Taenia asiatica, which share a common intermediate host with T. solium (the pig), Joseon people must have ingested raw pork frequently. However, the current examination of extant Joseon documents revealed that the population ate significant amounts of beef even if the beef ban was enforced; and pork was not consumed as much as we thought. Considering the meat consumption pattern at that time, Joseon people should have been infected by T. saginata more frequently than T. asiatica. This may suggest a low prevalence of T. saginata metacestodes in cattle compared to that of T. asiatica metacestodes in pigs, possibly due to the traditional way of rearing pigs (using human feces). This letter gives us a chance to reconsider the existing preconception about parasitic infections in Korean history though we are still hard to accurately estimate the historical patterns of taeniases at this stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Hoon Shin
- Laboratory of Bioanthropology, Paleopathology and History of Dieseases, Institute of Forensic Science/Department of Anatomy, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea
| | - Jong-Yil Chai
- Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Korea Association of Health Promotion, Seoul 07649, Korea.,Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea
| | - Jong Ha Hong
- Laboratory of Bioanthropology, Paleopathology and History of Dieseases, Institute of Forensic Science/Department of Anatomy, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea
| | - Min Seo
- Department of Parasitology, Dankook University College of Medicine, Cheonan 31116, Korea
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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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