Two Helminthic Cases of Human Mummy Remains from Joseon-Period Graves in Korea
10.3347/kjp.2021.59.2.149
- Author:
Chang Seok OH
1
;
Hyejin LEE
;
Jieun KIM
;
Jong Ha HONG
;
Soon Chul CHA
;
Jong-Yil CHAI
;
Cheol Min HA
;
Ryang-Ji KANG
;
Do-Seon LIM
;
Dong Hoon SHIN
;
Min SEO
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(2):149-152
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Our previous research on coprolite specimens from the mummies of Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910 CE) has revealed various species of parasite eggs. Herein, we added 2 new helminthic cases of human remains from Joseon-period graves in the Republic of Korea (Korea). The organic materials precipitated on the hip bones of 2 half-mummied cases (Goryeong and Gwangmyeong cases) were collected, rehydrated, and examined by a microscope. In the sample from Goryeong-gun (gun=County), ova of Trichuris trichiura, Clonorchis sinensis, and Metagonimus spp. were detected, and eggs of T. trichiura and A. lumbricoides were found from the sample of Gwangmyeong-si (si=City). By adding this outcome to the existing data pool, we confirm our previous estimates of Joseon-period parasite infection rates. The overall rates of A. lumbricoides, T. trichiura, and C. sinensis decreased dramatically from Joseon to the modern period. In Goryeong mummy specimen, we also found Metagonimus spp. eggs that has rarely been detected in archaeological samples so far.
