Two Helminthic Cases of Human Mummy Remains from Joseon-Period Graves in Korea

Abstract

Our previous research on coprolite specimens from the mummies of Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910 CE) has revealed various species of parasite eggs. Herein, we added 2 new helminthic cases of human remains from Joseon-period graves in the Republic of Korea (Korea). The organic materials precipitated on the hip bones of 2 half-mummied cases (Goryeong and Gwangmyeong cases) were collected, rehydrated, and examined by a microscope. In the sample from Goryeong-gun (gun=County), ova of <i>Trichuris trichiura, Clonorchis sinensis</i>, and <i>Metagonimus</i> spp. were detected, and eggs of <i>T. trichiura</i> and <i>A. lumbricoides</i> were found from the sample of Gwangmyeong-si (si=City). By adding this outcome to the existing data pool, we confirm our previous estimates of Joseon-period parasite infection rates. The overall rates of <i>A. lumbricoides, T. trichiura</i>, and <i>C. sinensis</i> decreased dramatically from Joseon to the modern period. In Goryeong mummy specimen, we also found <i>Metagonimus</i> spp. eggs that has rarely been detected in archaeological samples so far.

Updates on parasite infection prevalence in the Joseon period based on parasitological studies of human coprolites isolated from archaeological sites in the cities of Euijeongbu, Gumi, and Wonju

“… a Mummy parasitism results of (1)–(26) represent the existing corpus on Joseon mummy parasitism [ 1 , 8 ]. The current results are (27) – (30).…”

Paleoparasitology research on ancient helminth eggs and larvae in the Republic of Korea

“…The first investigation of this mummy was done in 2002, and later biomedical workups were performed on the same mummy in 2005 [ 6 ]. Until the present, at least 9 articles reported the detection of A. lumbricoides eggs either in the coprolites within the mummy’s intestines or in the soil sediment located near the hip bones or sacrum of the dead body [ 6 , 18 , 21 , 23 , 26 , 29 , 31 , 33 , 35 ]. The surface ultrastructure [ 20 ] and molecular characteristics [ 10 , 15 , 16 ] of A. lumbricoides eggs were also studied.…”

“…From mummy specimens, the eggs of T. trichiura were first detected in 2007 in fecal samples of a child mummy from Yangju dating to the 17th century [ 6 ]. Including this report, at least 10 articles have been reported regarding the detection of T. trichiura eggs either in the feces or coprolites within the mummy’s intestines or in the mummy soil near the hip bones, sacrum, or basal layer of the dead body [ 6 , 8 , 18 , 21 , 26 , 29 , 31 , 33 , 35 , 40 ]. Lee et al in 2009 [ 8 ] detected T. trichiura eggs in the feces of a male mummy excavated at Gangneung ( Fig.…”

Current status of Clonorchis sinensis and clonorchiasis in Korea: epidemiological perspectives integrating the data from human and intermediate hosts

“…Second, the top priority is to end the cultural dietary habit of eating raw freshwater fish, which contributes to the persistent transmission of the fish-borne trematode to humans. The practice of consuming raw or undercooked freshwater fish has persisted for thousands of years in endemic regions (Oh et al, 2021). Health promotion via informational programmes and education, such as publicity materials and educational videos ('Do not eat raw freshwater fish' URL: https://youtu.be/llqIwPhMcTU) among residents residing in the highly endemic river areas, should be strengthened to change their eating habits with cooperative efforts of the KDCA, local government and public health professionals.…”

“…C. sinensis , along with soil-transmitted helminths (STH), is likely prevalent in Korea for a long time as its eggs were discovered in ancient ruins and mummies (Zhan et al ., 2019 ; Oh et al ., 2021 ). Human helminthiasis was highly prevalent in Korea until the 1970s, when the per capita helminth parasite infection rate was estimated to be approximately 150% (Cho et al ., 2014a ).…”