Parasites as Probes for Prehistoric Human Migrations? (galley proofs)

Authors

Adauto Araújo, Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública, Fundação Oswaldo CruzFollow
Karl J. Reinhard, University of Nebraska at LincolnFollow
Luiz F. Ferreira, Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública/Fundação Oswaldo Cruz
Scott Lyell Gardner, Nebraska State Museum, University of Nebraska at LincolnFollow

Document Type

Article

Date of this Version

1-15-2008

Comments

Citation: Araújo A, Reinhard KJ, Ferreira LF, Gardner SL (2008) Parasites: probes for evidence of prehistoric human migrations. Trends in Parasitology (in press). Galley proofs.

Abstract

Host-specific parasites of humans are used to track ancient migrations. The archaeoparasitology of some intestinal parasites in the New World points to migration routes other than the Bering Land Bridge. Helminths have been found in mummies and coprolites in North and South America. Hookworms (Necator and Ancylostoma), whipworms (Trichuris trichiura) and other helminths require specific conditions for life-cycle completion. They could not survive in the cold climate of the northern region of the Americas. Therefore, humans would have lost some intestinal parasites while crossing Beringia. Evidence is provided here from published data of pre-Columbian sites for the peopling of the Americas through trans-oceanic or costal migrations.