Eimeriid oocysts from archaeological samples in Patagonia, Argentina

J Parasitol. 2008 Dec;94(6):1418-20. doi: 10.1645/GE-1537.1.

Abstract

Oocysts attributable to E. macusaniensis Guerrero et al. 1971, were found in coprolites and in archaeological sediments dating to the Holocene of Patagonia, Argentina. By means of a non-parametric regression using a generalized additive model, a significant relationship was found between the size of the oocysts and their antiquity. Specifically, a reduction in oocyst size over time was discovered, probably due to a parasite response to host replacement, to an extinct eimeriid species common during the Pliestocene-Holocene transition, or to environmental changes known for the Holocene. Explanations regarding coevolution between parasites, hosts and paleoenvironmental conditions are discussed herein.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Argentina
  • Camelids, New World / parasitology*
  • Coccidiosis / history*
  • Coccidiosis / veterinary
  • Eimeria / isolation & purification*
  • Feces / parasitology*
  • Fossils*
  • Geologic Sediments / parasitology
  • History, Ancient
  • Paleopathology