Parasites in a Holocene Environment: Their Presence on the Floor of Caves

ABSTRACT

Exploratory examinations were performed in sediments of archaeological levels from Cerro Casa de Piedra, cave 7 (CCP7). The aim of the present study was to identify parasitic remains present in the floor where human occupation has been reported. Parasite remains of Eimeria macusaniensis, molineids and two capillariids nematodes were identified. A single oocyst of Eimeria ivitaensis was found, resulting in the first report from Patagonia. Parasites found in this work were previously reported in camelid coprolites. Parasitological findings showed camelids presence into the cave and a high contamination of domestic area. These findings reinforce the hypothesis about the role of caves in parasites circulation among mammals community of Patagonia.

KEYWORDS:

• Environmental archaeology
• zoonoses
• gastrointestinal parasites
• Patagonia
• camelids
• Eimeria ivitaensis

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the FONCyT under [grant numbers PICT-2316 and PICT-3126]; CONICET under [grant number PIP-436]; and Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata under [grant number EXA-877].

Notes on contributors

Giorgina Amalfitano

Giorgina Amalfitano: biologist.

Romina S. Petrigh

Romina S. Petrigh: molecular parasitologist and researcher of CONICET.

Martín H. Fugassa

Martín H. Fugassa: parasitologist of wild mammals and archeological sites, and independent researcher of CONICET.