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Cercarial Transformation and in vitro Cultivation of Schistosoma mansoni Schistosomules
Published on: August 16, 2011
[Urinary schistosomiasis in ancient Egypt].
1Société internationale d'histoire de la médecine, Saint-Gratien, France. ziskindb@yahoo.fr
Nephrologie & Therapeutique
|July 21, 2009
Summary
Urinary schistosomiasis, caused by Schistosoma haematobium, has affected people in the Nile Valley since ancient Egypt. Evidence of this parasitic disease, including calcified eggs, has been found in mummies.
Area of Science:
- Paleopathology
- Parasitology
- Ancient Egyptian Medicine
Background:
- Schistosoma haematobium, the parasite causing urinary schistosomiasis, was identified in 1851.
- Urinary schistosomiasis, characterized by haematuria, has a long history in the Nile Valley, documented in ancient Egyptian medical papyri dating back to 1550 B.C.
Observation:
- Ancient Egyptians associated haematuria with the deity Seth.
- Paleopathological studies by Sir Marc Armand Ruffer in 1910 revealed calcified Schistosoma eggs in mummies from the 20th Dynasty.
- The ELISA method detected Schistosoma circulating anodic antigen in 45% of studied mummies.
Findings:
- Schistosoma haematobium infection, or bilharzia, afflicted ancient Egyptian populations.
- The presence of Schistosoma eggs and antigens in mummies confirms the long-standing endemic nature of the parasite in the region.
Implications:
- This research highlights the ancient origins and historical prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis in Egypt.
- Understanding the historical burden of schistosomiasis provides context for its current impact and informs long-term public health strategies.
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