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Eggs from an intestinal parasite has been found in a burial radiocarbon dated to 5210-4840 cal BC in Motala, east-central Sweden. The two helminth eggs are identified as Trichuris trichiura (human whipworm). Control samples from the cemetery site were all negative and confirmed that there was no evident contamination of younger material. This discovery raises new questions concerning the early geographical spread and timing of parasitic diseases among hunter-gatherer societies in northern Europe, and in the temperate zone of the northern hemisphere. Whipworm infection (Trichuriasis) is perhaps the disease most associated with crowding and poor sanitation, and as it manifests itself in the youngest dated burial, it could be a contributing factor to the final abandonment of the Mesolithic settlement. Also, parasite eggs found in a soil sample from the Neolithic Alvastra pile dwelling could indicate the continued presence of the Trichuris parasite in east-central Sweden. Generally, parasite ecology can aid in reconstructing human behaviors that include aspects of sedentism, mobility, food preferences, hygiene and other social practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate faecal material from a medieval latrine in the coastal town of Riga (Latvia) in order to identify the intestinal parasites present within the population. We identified very large numbers of the eggs of three species of parasitic intestinal worms that affect humans - fish tapeworm ( Diphyllobothrium latum ), whipworm ( Trichuris trichiura ), and roundworm ( Ascaris lumbricoides ). The fish tapeworm evidence demonstrates that the population were eating large amounts of uncooked fish (perhaps raw, smoked, or pickled) since cooking prevents parasite transmission. ELISA analysis identified the presence of the parasite Entamoeba histolytica , which can cause dysentery in humans. We also noted two eggs of equid pinworm ( Oxyuris equi ) that affects horses and donkeys, demonstrating the presence of this parasite in farm animals of the region by the medieval period. We discuss the implications of these findings for our knowledge of intestinal parasites in coastal areas of the medieval Baltic region, of food consumption, of hygiene, and of the affects of the parasites upon the health of those living in medieval Riga, the most important city in the crusader state of Livonia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Ruffer was the first researcher to show, using hydration of samples and histological techniques, the presence of Schistosoma haematobium eggs in the kidneys of Egyptian mummies dating between 1250 BC and 1000 BC. Since then, with the collaboration of archaeologists, palynologists, parasitologists, biologists, entomologists, ecologists, malacologists…new ideas have arisen and different techniques have been adapted for the study of parasites in an archaeological context. Research into the hydration of samples has been carried out, and flotation and sedimentation techniques started to be used, testing different solutions. Eggs, larvae and adults of both ecto- and endoparasites, as well as non-parasitic arthropods have been found, but none of the methods used have enabled to quantify the parasitic forms found, which is important to know the epidemiology of parasitic diseases and to carry out comparative studies. At present, the development of molecular biology techniques applied to palaeoparasitology is permitting the detection of traces of parasites in the past. Different samples taken from the 13 tombs existing in the royal burial chamber at St Isidoro''s Collegiate-Basilica in León, Spain were sent to our laboratory. But the main object of this study is to contribute to the application of other methods used successfully in the field of palaeoparasitology: the hydration, the McMaster method, the use of the compressorium and triquineloscope, as well as the different methods used to analyse hair samples. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]