Probable hepatic capillariosis and hydatidosis in an adolescent from the late Roman period buried in Amiens (France)

Gholamreza Mowlavi,Iraj Mobedi,Mahsasadat Makki,Sacha Kacki,Jean Dupouy-Camet,Saied Reza Naddaf,Majid Fasihi Harandi

doi:10.1051/parasite/2014010

Abstract

Two calcified objects recovered from a 3rd to 4th-century grave of an adolescent in Amiens (Northern France) were identified as probable hydatid cysts. By using thin-section petrographic techniques, probable Calodium hepaticum (syn. Capillaria hepatica) eggs were identified in the wall of the cysts. Human hepatic capillariosis has not been reported from archaeological material so far, but could be expected given the poor level of environmental hygiene prevalent in this period. Identification of tissue-dwelling parasites such as C. hepaticum in archaeological remains is particularly dependent on preservation conditions and taphonomic changes and should be interpreted with caution due to morphological similarities with Trichuris sp. eggs.

Highlights

Paleoparasitology is the identification of parasites found in archaeological material
We report and discuss here the probable occurrence of human hepatic capillariosis associated with hydatidosis in an adolescent from the late Roman period buried in Amiens (Northern France)
Within these types of archaeological remains a definite diagnosis of human hepatic capillariosis could not be concluded

Summary

Introduction

Paleoparasitology is the identification of parasites found in archaeological material. Sometimes parasitic eggs are relatively well preserved in latrines or mummified bodies, but their identification can be difficult. We report and discuss here the probable occurrence of human hepatic capillariosis associated with hydatidosis in an adolescent from the late Roman period buried in Amiens (Northern France). Of the liver, still remains a problem of public health world-. G. Mowlavi et al.: Parasite 2014, 21, 9

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