Detection Trend of Helminth Eggs in the Strata Soil Samples from Ancient Historic Places of Korea

Abstract

For several years, we have conducted a series of studies on the patterns of ancient parasitism prevailing in the soil of rural and urban areas of past Kingdom of Korea. Actually, during our survey of paleoparasitology in archaeological sites of Korean peninsula, numerous ancient parasite eggs were discovered in the samples from the city districts of Hansung (Joseon) and Buyeo (Baikje), the palace moat at Gyeongju (Silla), shell-midden site at Bonghwang-dong (Silla to Joseon), and the reservoir found in Hwawangsansung fortress (Silla). By the paleoparasitological studies, with respect to parasitism in the high-density populations of ancient towns and cities, we have managed to catch glimpses of the patterns prevalent therein: a serious parasitic contamination of the soil in ancient urban areas, but not in rural areas of the past. Our historical research also proposed the plausible mechanism of parasite infection very serious indeed among urban populations in Korean history. Although city dwelling doubtless has accrued significant benefits for people and populations with agriculture, it can be equally supposed that living in such highly populated areas might have facilitated the spread of parasite infection.

Historical Details about the Meat Consumption and Taeniases in Joseon Period of Korea

“…Over the course of the past decade, we have performed a series of paleoparasitological studies on the samples from mummies unearthed at the archaeological sites in South Korea [ 4 , 5 ]. With the information obtained, we recently have estimated the parasite-infection prevalence among the pre-modern Korean populations [ 6 ].…”

Beyond diversity loss and climate change: Impacts of Amazon deforestation on infectious diseases and public health

“…The dynamics of soil-transmitted helminths is also strongly influenced by deforestation and climate change (Weaver et al 2010, Hernandez et al 2013, Seo et al 2016, Blum & Hotez 2018. Helminth diseases are important problems in the Amazon region (Souza et al 2007, Hotez et al 2008, Confalonieri et al 2014, Gonçalves et al 2016.…”

Review of Successful Control of Parasitic Infections in Korea

“…In the case of A. lumbricoides and the hookworm, the larva performs hematogenous pulmonary migration at the initial stage of infection and then descends into the small intestine to grow into an adult. According to the investigation and excavation of archaeological sites in Korea, eggs belonging to Ascaris and Trichuris have been found in the remains from the 5th century period [1]. It is presumed that these species have settled and distributed on the land since the beginning of human settlement in Korea.…”