Paleoparasitology: Perspectives With New Techniques

Abstract

Paleoparasitology is the study of parasites found in archaeological material. The development of this field of research began with histological identification of helminth eggs in mummy tissues, analysis of coprolites, and recently through molecular biology. An approach to the history of paleoparasitology is reviewed in this paper, with special reference to the studies of ancient DNA identified in archaeological material.

Pathoecology of Chiribaya parasitism

“…infection must have been important. Although much has been accomplished in the archaeoparasitology of the Chiribaya, more can be done with the advent of new techniques (Araújo et al 1998). The examination for Giardia cysts using immunofluorescence (Gonçalves et al in press) provides a new approach for the discovery of parasitic protozoa.…”

Enterobius vermicularis: ancient DNA from north and south American human coprolites

“…Until now, diagnosis of pinworms in archaeological remains was dependent on microscopic examination. This is a particularly poor method of identifying prehistoric pinworm infections (Reinhard 1990, Araújo et al 1998. Recent work revealing the ancient DNA (aDNA) of parasites such as Trypanosoma cruzi in mummies and Ascaris in coprolites (Ferreira et al 2000, Loreille et al 2001) opened this area of investigation to other organisms.…”

Molecular identification of Nematodirus spathiger (Nematoda: Molineidae) in Lama guanicoe from Patagonia, Argentina

“…The samples were taken by members of the National Park Board of Management during the month of May (2011). Groups of 3 to 8 dry pellets were rehydrated with 0.5 % aqueous trisodium phosphate (Callen and Cameron, 1960). Then, the pellets were crushed and disintegrated with 0.2 % v/v tween 20 by vortex for 1 min.…”