Enterobius vermicularis: 10,000-year-old human infection

Science. 1969 Dec 26;166(3913):1620. doi: 10.1126/science.166.3913.1620.

Abstract

Eggs of Enterobius vermicularis (human pinworm) were found in hum coprolites from Hopug and Danger Caves, western Utah. The Caves were inhabitated by man from 10,000 B.C. to A.D. 1400. The oldest coprolite containing dated at 7837 B.C. This represents the earliest known association between man abd this exclusively human parasite.

Publication types

  • Historical Article

MeSH terms

  • Enterobius / isolation & purification*
  • Feces / microbiology*
  • Female
  • History, Ancient
  • Humans
  • Ovum
  • Oxyuriasis / history*
  • Paleopathology
  • Utah