Paleoparasitological analysis of rodent coprolites from the archaeological site Cueva Huenul 1, Patagonia (Argentina)

BELTRAME M. ORNELA; SARDELLA NORMA H.; FUGASSA MARTÍN H.; BARBERENA RAMIRO

MEMóRIAS DO INSTITUTO OSWALDO CRUZ.

FUNDACO OSWALDO CRUZ

Año: 2012 vol. 107 p. 604 - 608

0074-0276

The aim of the present study was to examine the parasite fauna present in rodent coprolites collected from Cueva Huenul 1 (CH1), northern Neuquén (Patagonia, Argentina), an archaeological site that provides stratified sequences of archaeological and paleontological remains assigned from the Late Pleistocene / Early Holocene Transition to the Late Holocene period. Twenty rodent coprolites collected from different sedimentary units from the site, with an antiquity considered from 13,844 ± 75 yr B.P. to 1,416 ± 37 yr B.P., were examined for parasites. Each coprolite was whole processed, rehydrated, homogenized, spontaneously sedimented, and examined using light microscopy. Coprolites and eggs of parasites were described, measured and photographed. A total of 158 eggs of parasites were found in 10 coprolites. Faeces were positive for Viscachataenia quadrata Denegri, Dopchiz, Elissondo & Beveridge 2003 and Monoecocestus sp. Beddard 1914 (Cestoda: Anoplocephalidae), and for Heteroxynema (Cavioxyura) viscaciae Sutton & Hugot 1988 (Nematoda: Oxyuridae). The coprolites examined were tentatively attributed to Lagidium viscacia Molina 1782 (Mammalia, Rodentia, Caviomorpha, Chinchillidae). Parasite life-cycles are discussed.