Detection of parasite eggs from archaeological excavations in the Republic of Korea

Abstract

Excavations at two sites dating from BC-1900

Estimation of parasite infection prevalence of Joseon people by paleoparasitological data updates from the ancient feces of pre-modern Korean mummies

“…Each specimen (1-4 g) was rehydrated in 0.5% trisodium phosphate solution while shaking continuously (van Cleave and Ross, 1947;Pike, 1968;Han et al, 2003;Reinhard and Urban, 2003). They were then filtered through multiple-layered gauze and precipitated for a day.…”

A Retrospective Examination of Paleoparasitology and Its Establishment in the Journal of Parasitology

“…In this period, the number of self-identified researchers in paleoparasitology increased to more than 50 individuals worldwide. Researchers in Korea and Japan published their first work in the international forum outside of their countries (Han et al, 2003;Matsui et al, 2003). Approximately 574 articles, book chapters, and technical papers containing the key word ''paleoparasitology'' anywhere in the text or title were published since 2000.…”

Quantitative paleoparasitology applied to archaeological sediments

“…Therefore, associated with calibrated dating and well archaeologically and geographically located, skeletons allow obtaining data to associate parasite findings with the human host. Population studies may be approached as far as more skeletons are analyzed.Sediments have been analyzed with paleoparasitological techniques, modified from Stoll technique (Jones 1988, Taek Han et al 2003, spontaneous sedimentations (Faulkner et al 2000, Fernandes et al 2005, sedimentation-flotation (Bouchet 1995, Bouchet et al 1999, 2001, and combining sedimentation and palynological technique (Reinhard et al 1992, Dittmar & Teejen 2003. To understand and interpret correctly parasite finds in sediments of each locality of an archaeological site careful analysis is needed (Reinhard 1988).…”

“…Sediment associated with skeletons has been less explored than other organic remains in the search for parasites. Latrine and soil sediment recovered from latrines and soil occupied by ancient human populations are the most common examined and studied material (Pike 1968, Moore 1981, Bouchet 1995, Bouchet et al 1999, 2002, Taek Han et al 2003, Fernandes et al 2005; shell middens (Bathurst 2005), artifacts (Harter et al 2003), and skeleton remains (Aspöck et al 1996, Bouchet et al 2001, Dittmar & Teejen 2003 are less studied. Parasite remains are supposed to disperse and be lost in sediments.…”