MORBIDITY AND MEDICAL TREATMENT OF PARASITIC INFECTION IN ITALY DURING THE ROMAN PERIOD.

Intestinal parasitic infection causes high morbidity in modern populations. Roundworm and whipworm alone account for 1.9 million disability adjusted life years (DALYs) today. Widespread infections in the Roman period, prior to the discovery of modern antihelminthic medications, are predicted to have caused high morbidity as well. The aim of this study is to discuss the health impacts of parasite infections detected in Roman period Italy, and explore the Roman understanding of these infections and their approaches to treatment of parasites. Analysis of soil samples from four Roman sites in Italy (Lucus Feroniae, Oplontis, Vagnari, and Vacone) provide evidence for parasitic infection. Helminths including roundworm and whipworm were identified using microscopy, and Giardia duodenalis was detected using ELISA. Nine percent of pelvic soil samples were positive, providing an estimate of minimum prevalence. Medical texts written by Roman authors including high-status physicians and non-medical individuals, which give insights into popular medicine, were reviewed. They reveal a Roman understanding of the presence and transmission of some parasites, as well as a need to treat them. The morbidity caused by these infections is largely related to their impacts on nutrition, and would have disproportionately affected children causing long-term impacts on growth and intellectual development. Roman texts provide evidence for herbal remedies proposed by physicians and patres familias (heads of households responsible for health of the family) as treatment. Experimental studies show that some of these treatments could be effective, however use of these remedies likely did not significantly reduce disability caused by these parasites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]