Parasites in a Holocene Environment: Their Presence on the Floor of Caves

Abstract

Exploratory examinations were performed in sediments of archaeological levels from Cerro Casa de Piedra, cave 7 (CCP7). The aim of the present study was to identify parasitic remains present in the floor where human occupation has been reported. Parasite remains of Eimeria macusaniensis, molineids and two capillariids nematodes were identified. A single oocyst of Eimeria ivitaensis was found, resulting in the first report from Patagonia. Parasites found in this work were previously reported in camelid coprolites. Parasitological findings showed camelids presence into the cave and a high contamination of domestic area. These findings reinforce the hypothesis about the role of caves in parasites circulation among mammals community of Patagonia.