New evidence for the antiquity of the intestinal parasite Trichuris (whipworm) in Europe

摘要: The whipworm, Trichuris trichiura L., is one of the most common human intestinal parasites worldwide, yet little known its origin and global spread. Archaeological records for this nematode have all been Neolithic or later date, suggesting a possible association between spread pastoral farming acquisition whipworm. This paper reports discovery eggs genus in late Mesolithic deposits from south Wales, indicating that whipworm was present Europe before arrival agriculture. raises possibility infection by arose through contact with wild animals parts landscape frequented both animal groups.