Intestinal parasitic worm eggs from a crusader period cesspool in the city of Acre (Israel)

Abstract

This study investigates the contents of a medieval cesspool from the city of Acre ('Akko) in order to determine which intestinal parasites were present in the population. Coins and other finds in the cesspool suggest that it was probably in use during the thirteenth century. This is only the second latrine from the Crusader period to have undergone such intense analysis. We have identified the eggs of two species of parasitic intestinal helminth ova in the cesspool debris. The most common worm eggs present were of the whipworm (Trichuris trichuria), while moderate numbers of beef/pork tapeworm eggs (Taenia sp.) were also identified.We discuss the implications of these findings for our knowledge of intestinal parasites in the Middle East, of medieval food preparation and hygiene, and of the affects of the parasites upon the health of those living in the crusader period.