Diphyllobothrium in the past: Review and new records

This paper presents a paleoparasitological review of the fish tapeworm genus Diphyllobothrium. Comprehensive data from published articles and original results from the Reims paleoparasitology laboratory show that the fish tapeworm has co-evolved with humans for several thousand years, influenced by human dietary habits, cultural differences, and sometimes environmental changes. This taxon has been present in the Old World for at least 9500 years (early Neolithic period) and in the New World for 10,000 years. Unlike the current geographical distribution of other parasite species, the human history of the fish tapeworm has still not been elucidated. Future studies and advances in paleoparasitological research may help to resolve the question of the evolution of this parasite.