Archaeological evidence of intestinal parasites from coastal shell middens

Shell midden sediment from Canada's Pacific coast has yielded consistent and quantifiable evidence of human intestinal parasitism. Auger samples from pre-contact settlements have produced evidence of as many as four parasite genera, including fish tapeworm (Diphyllobothrium spp.) and human roundworm (Ascaris lumbricoides). The methods of parasite extraction were non-complex, replicable and non-invasive. This project demonstrates the practicality of soil testing throughout a range of archaeological features and encourages the standard curation of culturally deposited soils for the purpose of archaeoparasite recovery. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.