Intestinal parasite infection and sanitation in medieval Leiden, the Low Countries
- Authors
- Publication Date
- Apr 30, 2024
- Source
- Apollo - University of Cambridge Repository
- Keywords
- Language
- English
- License
- Green
- External links
Abstract
<jats:p>In the absence of written records, disease and parasite loads are often used as indicators of sanitation in past populations. Here, the authors adopt the novel approach of integrating the bioarchaeological analysis of cesspits in an area of medieval Leiden (the Netherlands) with historical property records to explore living conditions. Using light microscopy and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) they identify evidence of parasites associated with ineffective sanitation (whipworm, roundworm and the protozoan <jats:italic>Giardia duodenalis</jats:italic>)—at residences of all social levels—and the consumption of infected livestock and freshwater fish (Diphyllobothriidae, cf. <jats:italic>Echinostoma</jats:italic> sp., cf. <jats:italic>Fasciola hepatica</jats:italic> and <jats:italic>Dicrocoelium</jats:italic> sp.).</jats:p> / SR would like to acknowledge the following funding bodies: the H.M. Chadwick Fund Studentship (University of Cambridge, UK), the Mary P. Dole Medical Fellowship (Mount Holyoke College, USA) and The Louise Fitz-Randolph Fellowship (Mount Holyoke College, USA).
