Two Helminthic Cases of Human Mummy Remains from Joseon-Period Graves in Korea

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 <i>Trichuris trichiura, Clonorchis sinensis</i>, and <i>Metagonimus</i> spp. were detected, and eggs of <i>T. trichiura</i> and <i>A. lumbricoides</i> 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 <i>A. lumbricoides, T. trichiura</i>, and <i>C. sinensis</i> decreased dramatically from Joseon to the modern period. In Goryeong mummy specimen, we also found <i>Metagonimus</i> spp. eggs that has rarely been detected in archaeological samples so far.