First recovery of Schistosoma mansoni eggs from a latrine in Europe (15-16th centuries).

Schistosoma mansoni eggs were found in a latrine dated AD 1450-1550 in Montbéliard, France. This is the first record of intestinal schistosomiasis in archaeological material. Because the parasite has an African origin, its presence in Europe at that time may be due to African slaves.

[Paleoparasitology: presumption of a case with bilharzia of the 15th century at Montbéliard (Doubs, France)].

On the archeological site of Montbéliard, paleoparasitological and sedimentological analysis of cesspit deposits led to the detection of well preserved parasitological forms (remains of helminths with associated eggs). The morphology and morphometry of these forms point to a plausible case of bilharzia transmitted by Schistosoma haematobium. The chance of ancient or recent contamination of the sample is discussed.

[First paleoparasitologic approach of the neolithic site in Chalain (Jura, France)].

On the neolithic site of Chalain, the analysis of 12 human coprolites and of 10 sediment samples rich in organic matters has revealed the presence of many well preserved eggs of Helminths: eggs of Trichuris/Capillaria, Fasciola hepatica and Diphyllobothrium sp. The interest of palaeoparasitological analysis in Archaeology and the impact of taphonomical process on the parasitological material are discussed.