Soldiers guarding Northwestern border of the Roman Empire was real parasite problem. Scientists analyzing sewage from the Roman fort of Vindolanda (near Hadrian's Wall in northern England) found three types intestinal parasites– roundworms, whipworms and Giardia duodenum. The results were published in the journal Parasitology celebrate the first time Giardia duodenum was documented in Roman Britain.
“Studying ancient parasites helps us understand the pathogens that infected our ancestors, how they varied with lifestyle, and how they changed over time,” Dr Adrian Smithco-author of the study and an immunologist from the University of Oxford, says the statement.
What are roundworms, whipworms and Giardia duodenum?
All three parasites are spread by poor sanitation or contact with food, drinks, or hands contaminated with infected human feces. Both roundworms and whipworms are usually called helminths.
Roundworms are eight to 12 inches long and live in the intestines. They can cause abdominal pain, fever and diarrhea. Types of roundworms commonly found in humans include pinworms and roundworms, but can also be are treated with medications.
Whipworms are about two inches long and are also intestinal parasites. According to the Cleveland ClinicIts name comes from its whip-like shape and appearance. Whipworm infestations are most common in children and are more common in hot, humid climates and areas with poor sanitation and hygiene conditions. With treatment, most people make a full recovery.
Giardia is a genus of microscopic parasites that often cause outbreaks of diarrhea to this day. Symptoms Giardia The infection (or giardiasis) includes stomach cramps, bloating, indigestion, and loose stools. Giardiasis is also one of the most common causes of waterborne illness in the United States. according to the Mayo Clinic. Giardia duodenum – a type of parasite that causes the same unpleasant symptoms.
“The three types of parasites we found may have led to malnutrition and caused diarrhea in some Roman soldiers,” added study co-author and archaeologist at the University of Cambridge. Dr. Marissa Ledger. “Although the Romans were aware of intestinal worms, their physicians could do little to cure infestations of these parasites or help those suffering from diarrhea, meaning symptoms could persist and worsen. These chronic infections likely weakened soldiers, making them less fit for duty. Worms alone can cause nausea, cramping and diarrhea.”
Wall guard
Roman fort Vindolanda was located between modern Carlisle and Corbridge in Northumberland, UK. It was also close to the infamous Hadrian's Wall. The wall was built by the Romans at the beginning of the second century AD to defend the province from attack tribes living to the north. Hadrian's Wall was used until the end of the fourth century. The wall runs east to west from the North Sea to the Irish Sea and has various forts such as Vindolanda and towers placed at regular intervals. To defend this outpost, the Romans used infantry, archers, and cavalry from throughout the Roman Empire.
Vindolanda archaeologists are known for organic objects that have been preserved for centuries in marshy soil. More than 1000 thin wooden tablets written in ink and documenting daily life at the fort, as well as a collection of more 5000 Roman leather shoes. all of them were discovered in Vindolanda.
In this new researchA team from the universities of Cambridge and Oxford in England unearthed sediment from a third-century sewer pipe emerging from a latrine in the fort's bath complex. The sewer carried waste from the common latrine into the stream north of the fort.
The team took 50 sediment samples along the latrine drain approximately 30 feet long. The team also found Roman beads, pottery and animal bones in the sewer. Back in university labs, the researchers searched for microscopic ancient remains of helminth eggs, looking for evidence of species of parasitic worms that can infect humans and other animals.
ABOUT 28 percent samples contained eggs of roundworms or whipworms. One sample even contained remains of both species. The team analyzed this sample using a biomolecular method called ELISA.Enzyme immunoassay). Using ELISA, traces were found Giardia duodenum in Roman Britain for the first time.
For comparison, they also took a sample associated with an earlier fort built in 85 AD and abandoned around 92 AD. This older sample had both roundworms and whipworms.
The team believes that soldiers at these installations could become seriously ill from dehydration during the summer. Giardia outbreaks that are often associated with contaminated water and can spread quickly.
“Untreated, giardiasis can last for several weeks, causing severe fatigue and weight loss,” added study co-author and biological anthropologist from Cambridge. Dr. Piers Mitchell. “The presence of fecal-oral parasites that we found suggests that conditions are ripe for other enteric pathogens such as Salmonella And Shigellawhich could trigger additional disease outbreaks.”
“Roman Wall Blues”
The prevalence of fecal-oral parasites at Vindolanda is similar to that of other Roman military sites, including Valkenburg am Rhine in the Netherlands, Carnuntum in AustriaAnd Bearsden in neighboring Scotland. More urban areas, including London and York, had a more diverse range of parasites such as fish and meat tapeworms.
“Excavations at Vindolanda continue to uncover new evidence that helps us understand the incredible hardships faced by those sent to this north-western frontier of the Roman Empire almost 2,000 years ago, challenging our preconceptions about what life in the Roman border fort and town was actually like,” added Dr Andrew Birley, CEO of the Vindolanda Charitable Trust.
Difficulties that have not been forgotten. Twentieth-century British-American writer W. H. Auden “Roman Wall Blues” opens with:
“A wet wind blows over the heather,
I have lice in my tunic and a runny nose.”
Ogen might have added a serious stomach bug to his list of Roman blues.
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