Paleoparasitological Records in a Canid Coprolite From Patagonia, Argentina

Abstract

In this note, organic remains identified as a canid coprolite were examined. The material was dated at 6540 +/- 110 B.P.; it was collected in the Perito Moreno National Park, Santa Cruz, Argentina. Paleoparasitological analysis was performed following standard procedures. Coprolite fragments were rehydrated in a trisodium phosphate aqueous solution and subjected to spontaneous sedimentation for microscope analysis. Eggs of nematodes identified as Trichuris sp., Capillaria sp., Uncinaria sp., and an ascaridid (probably Toxascaris sp.) or spirurids (presumably Physaloptera sp.), plus a cestode (Anoplocephalidae), presumably Moniezia sp., were found.

Capillaria spp. eggs in Patagonian archaeological sites: statistical analysis of morphometric data

“…eggs were found in a coprolite supposed to be from a canid, dated 6,540 ± 110 years Before Present (Fugassa et al 2006). Capillaria species and the ecopathological context related to this coprolite, a very rich sample in Capillaria spp.…”

“…Results obtained showed a continuing history of infection by these Capillaria species in Patagonian mammals dated of 6,500 years ago (Fugassa et al 2006), and that discriminant analysis can be an useful and reliable tool to identify species of Capillaria that are not easily identified by morphologic patterns, due to changes during taphonomic processes or to any other unknown condition. In spite of the complex taxonomy of capillarids, this article states that the combination of morphologic and morphometric analysis of Capillaria spp.…”

“…The relatively low number of morphotype A eggs found in the coprolite could indicate consumption of an infected prey, rather than be a case of true parasitism. Small bone fragments presumed to belong to a rodent were found in the coprolite (Fugassa et al 2006). Morphotype B eggs probably were from C. putorii, due to their abundance, their sizes and distinct striation on the eggshell (Bowman et al 2003).…”

Animal helminths in human archaeological remains: a review of zoonoses in the past

“…This is curious, since many Brazilian indigenous groups have maintained their traditional eating habits and continue to hunt and consume wild animals as their principal source of protein 81,85 . Many game animals are natural hosts of parasites, including helminths 46,64,109 .…”

Paleoparasitological results for rodent coprolites from Santa Cruz Province, Argentina

“…Regarding rodents, their presence in the area seems to have been relevant because of the presence of their faeces, bones and hairs in all archaeological deposits examined at present and also by the finding of rodent remains and helminth eggs in coprolites of rodents and predators (Fugassa et al 2006b, 2007b, Sardella & Fugassa 2009.…”