Evidence of Ascariasis in a Celtic Newborn from Northern Italy

BACKGROUND: Infections with Ascaris lumbricoides can be traced back to the late Pleistocene by paleoparasitological analysis. Even today, Ascaris infections are still very common worldwide. OBJECTIVES: In a pilot study, soil samples from the pelvic area of ten individuals from the Celtic necropolis of Povegliano Veronese (northern Italy) were examined using paleoparasitological methods. The burials date from the 3rd to 1st century BCE. METHODS: The paleoparasitological methods already proven in earlier studies were applied. FINDINGS: Positive evidence of Ascaris eggs was obtained in three individuals, including a newborn. This neonate is the focus of the article. The causes of a possible Ascaris infection in a newborn are discussed. MAIN CONCLUSIONS: It may represent the oldest documented instance of ascariasis in a neonatal individual.