Parasites, Hosts and Diseases

"Chang Seok Oh"

Brief Communication

Updates on parasite infection prevalence in the Joseon period based on parasitological studies of human coprolites isolated from archaeological sites in the cities of Euijeongbu, Gumi, and Wonju: Chang Seok Oh, Jong-Yil Chai, Sori Min, Kyong Taek Oh, Jeonghwan Seol, Mi Kyung Song, Dong Hoon Shin, Min Seo; Parasites Hosts Dis 2023;61(1):89-93.
Published online February 22, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3347/PHD.22129

Abstract
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Parasite infection rates estimated by examining ancient coprolites can provide insights into parasitism in Joseon society. Using newly discovered Joseon period cases is essential to regularly update the parasite infection rates and reinforce the reliability of our previous estimations. In the present study, we investigated parasite infections in Joseon coprolites newly isolated from the cities of Euijeongbu, Gumi, and Wonju. We then updated the overall parasite infection rates of Joseon period samples (n= 30) as follows: 86.7% (26/30) for Trichuris trichiura, 56.7% (17/30) for Ascaris lumbricoides, 30.0% (9/30) for Clonorchis sinensis, and 30.0% (9/30) for Paragonimus westermani. The parasite infection rates in the Joseon society, estimated through coprolite examination, were very similar to those determined previously despite the addition of new cases to the existing data pool.

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A parasitological study on the possible toilet ruins of the Japanese colonial period in Korea
Jieun Kim, Min Seo, Hisashi Fujita, Jong Yil Chai, Jin Woo Park, Jun Won Jang, In Soo Jang, Dong Hoon Shin
Parasites, Hosts and Diseases.2023; 61(2): 198. CrossRef
Paleoparasitology research on ancient helminth eggs and larvae in the Republic of Korea
Jong-Yil Chai, Min Seo, Dong Hoon Shin
Parasites, Hosts and Diseases.2023; 61(4): 345. CrossRef

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Case Reports

Helminth Eggs Detected in Soil Samples of a Possible Toilet Structure Found at the Capital Area of Ancient Baekje Kingdom of Korea: Chang Seok Oh, Sang-Yuck Shim, Yongjun Kim, Jong Ha Hong, Jong-Yil Chai, Hisashi Fujita, Min Seo, Dong Hoon Shin; Korean J Parasitol 2021;59(4):393-397.
Published online August 18, 2021; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3347/kjp.2021.59.4.393

Abstract
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Although research conducted in East Asia has uncovered parasite eggs from ancient toilets or cesspits, data accumulated to date needs to be supplemented by more archaeoparasitological studies. We examined a total of 21 soil samples from a toilet-like structure at the Hwajisan site, a Baekje-period royal villa, in present-day Korea. At least 4 species of helminth eggs, i.e., Trichuris trichiura, Ascaris lumbricoides, Clonorchis sinensis, and Trichuris sp. (or Trichuris vulpis) were detected in 3 sediment samples of the structure that was likely a toilet used by Baekje nobles. The eggs of T. trichiura were found in all 3 samples (no. 1, 4, and 5); and A. lumbricoides eggs were detected in 2 samples (no. 4 and 5). C. sinensis and T. vulpis-like eggs were found in no. 5 sample. From the findings of this study, we can suppose that the soil-transmitted helminths were prevalent in ancient Korean people, including the nobles of Baekje Kingdom during the 5th to 7th century.

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Clonorchis sinensis and Cholangiocarcinoma
Eun-Min Kim, Sung-Tae Hong
Journal of Korean Medical Science.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
Problems in Japanese archaeoparasitology: Analysis of paleo-parasitic eggs from Hachinohe Castle
Hisashi Fujita, Masako Funaba, Shiori O. Fujisawa
Parasites, Hosts and Diseases.2025; 63(3): 278. CrossRef
Paleoparasitology research on ancient helminth eggs and larvae in the Republic of Korea
Jong-Yil Chai, Min Seo, Dong Hoon Shin
Parasites, Hosts and Diseases.2023; 61(4): 345. CrossRef

4,333 View
104 Download
3 Web of Science
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Two Helminthic Cases of Human Mummy Remains from Joseon-Period Graves in Korea: Chang Seok Oh, Hyejin Lee, Jieun Kim, Jong Ha Hong, Soon Chul Cha, Jong-Yil Chai, Cheol Min Ha, Ryang-Ji Kang, Do-Seon Lim, Dong Hoon Shin, Min Seo; Korean J Parasitol 2021;59(2):149-152.
Published online April 22, 2021; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3347/kjp.2021.59.2.149

Abstract
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Our previous research on coprolite specimens from the mummies of Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910 CE) has revealed various species of parasite eggs. Herein, we added 2 new helminthic cases of human remains from Joseon-period graves in the Republic of Korea (Korea). The organic materials precipitated on the hip bones of 2 half-mummied cases (Goryeong and Gwangmyeong cases) were collected, rehydrated, and examined by a microscope. In the sample from Goryeong-gun (gun=County), ova of Trichuris trichiura, Clonorchis sinensis, and Metagonimus spp. were detected, and eggs of T. trichiura and A. lumbricoides were found from the sample of Gwangmyeong-si (si=City). By adding this outcome to the existing data pool, we confirm our previous estimates of Joseon-period parasite infection rates. The overall rates of A. lumbricoides, T. trichiura, and C. sinensis decreased dramatically from Joseon to the modern period. In Goryeong mummy specimen, we also found Metagonimus spp. eggs that has rarely been detected in archaeological samples so far.

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Updates on parasite infection prevalence in the Joseon period based on parasitological studies of human coprolites isolated from archaeological sites in the cities of Euijeongbu, Gumi, and Wonju
Chang Seok Oh, Jong-Yil Chai, Sori Min, Kyong Taek Oh, Jeonghwan Seol, Mi Kyung Song, Dong Hoon Shin, Min Seo
Parasites, Hosts and Diseases.2023; 61(1): 89. CrossRef
Paleoparasitology research on ancient helminth eggs and larvae in the Republic of Korea
Jong-Yil Chai, Min Seo, Dong Hoon Shin
Parasites, Hosts and Diseases.2023; 61(4): 345. CrossRef
Ancient DNA of Metagonimus yokogawai Recovered from Joseon Period Human Remains Newly Discovered at Goryeong County in South Korea
Chang Seok Oh, Jong Ha Hong, Jong Yil Chai, Mi Kyung Song, Ho-Jin Jang, Min Seo, Dong Hoon Shin
Acta Parasitologica.2022; 67(1): 539. CrossRef
Genetic Analysis of Ancient Clonorchis sinensis Eggs Attained from Goryeong Mummy of Joseon Dynasty Period
Chang Seok Oh, Min Seo, Hye Jin Lee, Myeung Ju Kim, Do-Seon Lim, Dong Hoon Shin
Journal of Parasitology.2022;[Epub] CrossRef
Current status of Clonorchis sinensis and clonorchiasis in Korea: epidemiological perspectives integrating the data from human and intermediate hosts
Won Gi Yoo, Woon-Mok Sohn, Byoung-Kuk Na
Parasitology.2022; 149(10): 1296. CrossRef

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5 Web of Science
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Brief Communications

Ancient Mitochondrial DNA Analyses of Ascaris Eggs Discovered in Coprolites from Joseon Tomb: Chang Seok Oh, Min Seo, Jong Ha Hong, Jong-Yil Chai, Seung Whan Oh, Jun Bum Park, Dong Hoon Shin; Korean J Parasitol 2015;53(2):237-242.
Published online April 22, 2015; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3347/kjp.2015.53.2.237

Abstract
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Analysis of ancient DNA (aDNA) extracted from Ascaris is very important for understanding the phylogenetic lineage of the parasite species. When aDNAs obtained from a Joseon tomb (SN2-19-1) coprolite in which Ascaris eggs were identified were amplified with primers for cytochrome b (cyt b) and 18S small subunit ribosomal RNA (18S rRNA) gene, the outcome exhibited Ascaris specific amplicon bands. By cloning, sequencing, and analysis of the amplified DNA, we obtained information valuable for comprehending genetic lineage of Ascaris prevalent among pre-modern Joseon peoples.

Citations

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Paleoparasitology research on ancient helminth eggs and larvae in the Republic of Korea
Jong-Yil Chai, Min Seo, Dong Hoon Shin
Parasites, Hosts and Diseases.2023; 61(4): 345. CrossRef
Historic and Prehistoric Epidemics: An Overview of Sources Available for the Study of Ancient Pathogens
Antoinette C. van der Kuyl
Epidemiologia.2022; 3(4): 443. CrossRef
Mummification in Korea and China: Mawangdui, Song, Ming and Joseon Dynasty Mummies
Dong Hoon Shin, Raffaella Bianucci, Hisashi Fujita, Jong Ha Hong
BioMed Research International.2018; 2018: 1. CrossRef
Estimation of parasite infection prevalence of Joseon people by paleoparasitological data updates from the ancient feces of pre-modern Korean mummies
MIN SEO, CHANG SEOK OH, JONG HA HONG, JONG-YIL CHAI, SOON CHUL CHA, YURI BANG, IN GUK CHA, YANG GUN WI, JUNG MIN PARK, DONG HOON SHIN
Anthropological Science.2017; 125(1): 9. CrossRef
A Case of Ectopic Paragonimiasis in a 17th Century Korean Mummy
D. H. Shin, Y.-S. Kim, D. S. Yoo, M. J. Kim, C. S. Oh, J. H. Hong, E. Lee, J. Y. Chai, M. Seo
Journal of Parasitology.2017; 103(4): 399. CrossRef
Paleogenetic study on the 17th century Korean mummy with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease
Dong Hoon Shin, Chang Seok Oh, Jong Ha Hong, Yusu Kim, Soong Deok Lee, Eunju Lee, David Caramelli
PLOS ONE.2017; 12(8): e0183098. CrossRef
Ancient Ascaris DNA Sequences of Cytochrome B, Cytochrome C Oxidase Subunit 1, NADH Dehydrogenase Subunit 1, and Internal Transcribed Spacer 1 Genes from Korean Joseon Mummy Feces
Jong Ha Hong, Chang Seok Oh, Min Seo, Jong-Yil Chai, Dong Hoon Shin
Journal of Parasitology.2017; 103(6): 795. CrossRef

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V-shaped Pits in Regions of Ancient Baekje Kingdom Paleoparasitologically Confirmed as Likely Human-Waste Reservoirs: Dong Hoon Shin, Sang-Yuck Shim, Myeung Ju Kim, Chang Seok Oh, Mi-Hyun Lee, Suk Bae Jung, Geon Il Lee, Jong-Yil Chai, Min Seo; Korean J Parasitol 2014;52(5):569-573.
Published online October 22, 2014; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3347/kjp.2014.52.5.569

Abstract
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In a paleo-parasitological analysis of soil samples obtained from V-shaped pits dating to the ancient Baekje period in Korean history, we discovered Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, and Clonorchis sinensis eggs. In light of the samples' seriously contaminated state, the V-shaped pits might have served as toilets, cesspits, or dung heaps. For a long period of time, researchers scouring archaeological sites in Korea have had difficulties locating such structures. In this context then, the present report is unique because similar kind of the ancient ruins must become an ideal resource for successful sampling in our forthcoming paleoparasitological studies.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Paleoparasitology research on ancient helminth eggs and larvae in the Republic of Korea
Jong-Yil Chai, Min Seo, Dong Hoon Shin
Parasites, Hosts and Diseases.2023; 61(4): 345. CrossRef
Helminth Eggs Detected in Soil Samples of a Possible Toilet Structure Found at the Capital Area of Ancient Baekje Kingdom of Korea
Chang Seok Oh, Sang-Yuck Shim, Yongjun Kim, Jong Ha Hong, Jong-Yil Chai, Hisashi Fujita, Min Seo, Dong Hoon Shin
The Korean Journal of Parasitology.2021; 59(4): 393. CrossRef
Clonorchis sinensis and clonorchiasis
Byoung-Kuk Na, Jhang Ho Pak, Sung-Jong Hong
Acta Tropica.2020; 203: 105309. CrossRef
Metagenomics and microscope revealed T. trichiura and other intestinal parasites in a cesspit of an Italian nineteenth century aristocratic palace
Daniela Chessa, Manuela Murgia, Emanuela Sias, Massimo Deligios, Vittorio Mazzarello, Maura Fiamma, Daniela Rovina, Gabriele Carenti, Giulia Ganau, Elisabetta Pintore, Mauro Fiori, Gemma L. Kay, Alessandro Ponzeletti, Piero Cappuccinelli, David J. Kelvin,
Scientific Reports.2020;[Epub] CrossRef
Archaeoparasitological Strategy Based on the Microscopic Examinations of Prehistoric Samples and the Recent Report on the Difference in the Prevalence of Soil Transmitted Helminthic Infections in the Indian Subcontinent
Dong Hoon Shin, Yong Jun Kim, Ravindra Singh Bisht, Vivek Dangi, Prabodh Shirvalkar, Nilesh Jadhav, Chang Seok Oh, Jong Ha Hong, Jong Yil Chai, Min Seo, Vasant Shinde
Ancient Asia.2018;[Epub] CrossRef
Estimation of parasite infection prevalence of Joseon people by paleoparasitological data updates from the ancient feces of pre-modern Korean mummies
MIN SEO, CHANG SEOK OH, JONG HA HONG, JONG-YIL CHAI, SOON CHUL CHA, YURI BANG, IN GUK CHA, YANG GUN WI, JUNG MIN PARK, DONG HOON SHIN
Anthropological Science.2017; 125(1): 9. CrossRef
Discovery of Parasite Eggs in Archeological Residence during the 15th Century in Seoul, Korea
Pyo Yeon Cho, Jung-Min Park, Myeong-Ki Hwang, Seo Hye Park, Yun-Kyu Park, Bo-Young Jeon, Tong-Soo Kim, Hyeong-Woo Lee
The Korean Journal of Parasitology.2017; 55(3): 357. CrossRef

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8 Web of Science
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Enterobius vermicularis Eggs Discovered in Coprolites from a Medieval Korean Mummy: Dong Hoon Shin, Chang Seok Oh, Jong-Yil Chai, Hye-Jung Lee, Min Seo; Korean J Parasitol 2011;49(3):323-326.
Published online September 30, 2011; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3347/kjp.2011.49.3.323

Abstract
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While the presence of pinworm eggs in archaeological samples has been reported by many researchers in the New World, those have been detected very scarcely in the Old World, especially in East Asian countries. In fact, many parasite species were recovered from the archeological remains in Korea, eggs of Enterobius vermicularis had not been found. Recently, a female mummy buried in the 17th century was discovered in the Joseon tomb from Dangjin-gun, Chungcheongnam-do, Korea. After rehydration process for 12 days, investigations were carried on the luminal surface of the colon. From them, 3 eggs of E. vermicularis were recovered. They were elliptical, transparent with a thin egg shell, 50.3±5.2 ?m (length) and 28.2±3.9 ?m (width) in size. This is the first discovery of E. vermicularis eggs in East Asia.

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The microstratigraphy and depositional environments of Lida Ajer and Ngalau Gupin, two fossil-bearing tropical limestone caves of west Sumatra
Holly E. Anderson, Mike W. Morley, Conor McAdams, Jahdi Zaim, Yan Rizal, Aswan, Mika R. Puspaningrum, Agus T. Hascaryo, Gilbert J. Price, Julien Louys
Scientific Reports.2024;[Epub] CrossRef
Paleoparasitology research on ancient helminth eggs and larvae in the Republic of Korea
Jong-Yil Chai, Min Seo, Dong Hoon Shin
Parasites, Hosts and Diseases.2023; 61(4): 345. CrossRef
Reconstructing the history of helminth prevalence in the UK
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International Journal of Paleopathology.2019; 25: 64. CrossRef
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Matheus Lino, Daniela Leles, Alfredo P. Peña, Marina C. Vinaud
Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports.2018; 17: 1. CrossRef
Discovery of Parasite Eggs in Archeological Residence during the 15th Century in Seoul, Korea
Pyo Yeon Cho, Jung-Min Park, Myeong-Ki Hwang, Seo Hye Park, Yun-Kyu Park, Bo-Young Jeon, Tong-Soo Kim, Hyeong-Woo Lee
The Korean Journal of Parasitology.2017; 55(3): 357. CrossRef
A Case of Ectopic Paragonimiasis in a 17th Century Korean Mummy
D. H. Shin, Y.-S. Kim, D. S. Yoo, M. J. Kim, C. S. Oh, J. H. Hong, E. Lee, J. Y. Chai, M. Seo
Journal of Parasitology.2017; 103(4): 399. CrossRef
Paleoparasitological study on the soil sediment samples from archaeological sites of ancient Silla Kingdom in Korean peninsula
Myeung Ju Kim, Min Seo, Chang Seok Oh, Jong-Yil Chai, Jinju Lee, Gab-jin Kim, Won Young Ma, Soon Jo Choi, Karl Reinhard, Adauto Araujo, Dong Hoon Shin
Quaternary International.2016; 405: 80. CrossRef
Human Coprolites as a Source for Paleomicrobiology
Sandra Appelt, Michel Drancourt, Matthieu Le Bailly, Michel Drancourt, Didier Raoult
Microbiology Spectrum.2016;[Epub] CrossRef
Joseon Funerary Texts Tested Using Ancient DNA Analysis of a Korean Mummy
Chang Seok Oh, Bou‐Ja Koh, Dong Soo Yoo, Jun Bum Park, So Ri Min, Yi‐Suk Kim, Sang Sup Lee, Jianye Ge, Seung Bum Seo, Dong Hoon Shin
The Anatomical Record.2015; 298(6): 1191. CrossRef
Multiplex Ligation Dependent Probe Amplification (MLPA) Assay on Joseon Mummified Samples from Archaeological Sites of South Korea
You Soo Kim, Chang Seok Oh, Jong Ha Hong, Moon-Woo Seong, Dong Hoon Shin
Korean Journal of Physical Anthropology.2015; 28(3): 137. CrossRef
Paleoparasitological Studies on Mummies of the Joseon Dynasty, Korea
Min Seo, Adauto Araujo, Karl Reinhard, Jong Yil Chai, Dong Hoon Shin
The Korean Journal of Parasitology.2014; 52(3): 235. CrossRef
Radiological Diagnosis of Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia in 17th Century Korean Mummy
Yi-Suk Kim, In Sun Lee, Go-Un Jung, Myeung Ju Kim, Chang Seok Oh, Dong Su Yoo, Won-Joon Lee, Eunju Lee, Soon Chul Cha, Dong Hoon Shin, Debbie Guatelli-Steinberg
PLoS ONE.2014; 9(7): e99779. CrossRef
The Changing Pattern of Parasitic Infection Among Korean Populations by Paleoparasitological Study of Joseon Dynasty Mummies
Min Seo, Chang Seok Oh, Jong-Yil Chai, Mi Sook Jeong, Sung Woo Hong, Young-Min Seo, Dong Hoon Shin
Journal of Parasitology.2014; 100(1): 147. CrossRef
Collaboration of Archaeologists, Historians and Bioarchaeologists During Removal of Clothing from Korean Mummy of Joseon Dynasty
Eun-Joo Lee, Chang Seok Oh, Se Gweon Yim, Jun Bum Park, Yi-Suk Kim, Myung Ho Shin, Soong Deok Lee, Dong Hoon Shin
International Journal of Historical Archaeology.2013; 17(1): 94. CrossRef
Food, parasites, and epidemiological transitions: A broad perspective
K.J. Reinhard, L.F. Ferreira, F. Bouchet, L. Sianto, J.M.F. Dutra, A. Iniguez, D. Leles, M. Le Bailly, M. Fugassa, E. Pucu, A. Araújo
International Journal of Paleopathology.2013; 3(3): 150. CrossRef
Paleoparasitological Surveys for Detection of Helminth Eggs in Archaeological Sites of Jeolla-do and Jeju-do
Myeong-Ju Kim, Dong Hoon Shin, Mi-Jin Song, Hye-Young Song, Min Seo
The Korean Journal of Parasitology.2013; 51(4): 489. CrossRef