Continuity in intestinal parasite infection in Aalst (Belgium) from the medieval to the early modern period (12th-17th centuries).

OBJECTIVE: To characterize patterns in the taxonomic diversity of parasites infecting the population of Aalst, Belgium, between the 12th and 17th centuries. MATERIALS: 14 sediment samples from seven cesspits dated 1100-1700 CE. METHODS: Digital light microscopy and Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: We identified eggs of four species of helminths: whipworm (Trichuris trichiura), roundworm (Ascaris lumbricoides), Echinostoma fluke and Dicrocoelium fluke. ELISA results for protozoal parasites were negative. CONCLUSIONS: Taxonomic diversity of parasite infections remained constan... Mehr ...