New evidence of Entamoeba histolytica infections in pre-Columbian and colonial cemeteries in the Caribbean

J Parasitol. 2014 Oct;100(5):684-6. doi: 10.1645/13-476.1. Epub 2014 Apr 25.

Abstract

ELISA was used to test the presence of the human pathogenic amoeba Entamoeba histolytica in archaeological samples from 2 cemeteries in Guadeloupe, in the Caribbean. Results show that 15.9% of the population was infected during the colonial period, a value comparable to the current rates observed in humans in adjacent countries. This study also confirms the presence of the current strain of E. histolytica in pre-Columbian South America before the European colonization in the 15th century and raises the possibility of an earlier transfer from Europe to the Americas.

Publication types

  • Historical Article
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antigens, Protozoan / analysis
  • Cemeteries / history
  • Entamoeba histolytica / immunology
  • Entamoeba histolytica / isolation & purification
  • Entamoebiasis / history*
  • Guadeloupe
  • History, 17th Century
  • History, 18th Century
  • History, 19th Century
  • History, Ancient
  • History, Medieval
  • Humans
  • Paleopathology

Substances

  • Antigens, Protozoan