Helminth Eggs Detected in Soil Samples of a Possible Toilet Structure Found at the Capital Area of Ancient Baekje Kingdom of Korea
10.3347/kjp.2021.59.4.393
- Author:
Chang Seok OH
1
;
Sang-Yuck SHIM
;
Yongjun KIM
;
Jong Ha HONG
;
Jong-Yil CHAI
;
Hisashi FUJITA
;
Min SEO
;
Dong Hoon SHIN
Author Information
1. Department of Mortuary Science, College of Bio-convergence, Eulji University, Seongnam 13135, Korea
- Publication Type:Case Report
- From:The Korean Journal of Parasitology
2021;59(4):393-397
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Although research conducted in East Asia has uncovered parasite eggs from ancient toilets or cesspits, data accumulated to date needs to be supplemented by more archaeoparasitological studies. We examined a total of 21 soil samples from a toilet-like structure at the Hwajisan site, a Baekje-period royal villa, in present-day Korea. At least 4 species of helminth eggs, i.e., Trichuris trichiura, Ascaris lumbricoides, Clonorchis sinensis, and Trichuris sp. (or Trichuris vulpis) were detected in 3 sediment samples of the structure that was likely a toilet used by Baekje nobles. The eggs of T. trichiura were found in all 3 samples (no. 1, 4, and 5); and A. lumbricoides eggs were detected in 2 samples (no. 4 and 5). C. sinensis and T. vulpis-like eggs were found in no. 5 sample. From the findings of this study, we can suppose that the soil-transmitted helminths were prevalent in ancient Korean people, including the nobles of Baekje Kingdom during the 5th to 7th century.
