1 - Introduction

Summary

In this book we explore how different kinds of parasites affected the key civilizations that flourished across the world over the last 10,000 years. Ancient parasites can be recovered from mummies, skeletons, latrines, coprolites, and chamber pots. Analysis may involve microscopy, ELISA, proteomics, and recovery of DNA. A huge range of parasites can infect humans, ranging from helminths (worms), single-celled protozoa such as malaria and dysentery, and ectoparasites such as lice and fleas. Different parasites will have varying impact upon health depending upon the proportion of a society affected and the physiological consequences of infection upon the body. Here the concept of Disabilit-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) is employed to estimate the health impact of parasites in past societies, and compare them. This should allow us for the first time to propose which past civilizations may have experienced the greatest health burden from the parasites affecting their populations.