Parasites in the Atacama Desert: New insights into the lifestyles of ancient human populations (3000–500 BP)

Paleoparasitological studies have provided insights into ancient parasite occurrence and its relationship to the health, lifestyle, and cultural practices of past populations. We analyzed 26 human coprolites and digestive tract contents, most of them contained in mummified human bodies, from coastal and inland archaeological sites in the Atacama Desert (3000–500 BP), to test for gastrointestinal parasites. We rehydrated and sedimented the samples to concentrate the micro-remains and then conducted light microscopy examination and paleogenetic analysis. The microscopy analysis allowed us to recover helminth eggs of five different taxa in seven samples, attributed to Diphyllobotrium sp., Dipylidium caninum, Enterobius vermicularis, Trichuris sp., and possible strongylid. PCR amplification yielded negative results in all cases. Results suggest a low parasite burden relating to infection with pinworms, whipworms, and possible strongylids, as well as an absence of infection in most of the individuals. The presence of Diphyllobotrium sp. in coastal sites is associated with the consumption of insufficiently cooked fish resources. The occurrence of D. caninum in an inland site may indicate cohabitation with dogs and/or wild canids. These findings contribute to knowledge of parasite occurrence in human groups from the southern Andes and its relationship with the environment and the cultural practices involved.Fil: Ramirez, Darío Alejandro. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Antropología de Córdoba. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Filosofía y Humanidades. Instituto de Antropología de Córdoba; ArgentinaFil: Herrera Soto, María José. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Filosofía y Letras; ArgentinaFil: Santana Sagredo, Francisca. Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile; Chile. Universidad Católica de Chile; ChileFil: Uribe Rodríguez, Mauricio. Universidad de Chile; ChileFil: Nores, Rodrigo. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Antropología de Córdoba. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Filosofía y Humanidades. Instituto de Antropología de Córdoba; Argentin