Paleo-parasitology and the antiquity of human host-parasite relationships

Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz. 2000:95 Suppl 1:89-93. doi: 10.1590/s0074-02762000000700016.

Abstract

Paleo-parasitology may be developed as a new tool to parasite evolution studies. DNA sequences dated thousand years ago, recovered from archaeological material, means the possibility to study parasite-host relationship coevolution through time. Together with tracing parasite-host dispersion throughout the continents, paleo-parasitology points to the interesting field of evolution at the molecular level. In this paper a brief history of paleo-parasitology is traced, pointing to the new perspectives opened by the recent techniques introduced.

Publication types

  • Historical Article
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Feces / parasitology
  • History, Ancient
  • Host-Parasite Interactions*
  • Humans
  • Mummies / parasitology
  • Paleontology* / methods
  • Parasitic Diseases / history*