Pathoecology of the town of Yeniseisk in Western Siberia from the 17th and 18th centuries

Abstract This article examines the prevalence and range of parasitic diseases based on soil sediment samples found in the town of Yeniseisk located in western Siberia. These soil samples were taken from the sacral surface of 14 individuals buried at the cemetery of the Epiphany Cathedral dating back to the 17th century, and 15 samples of toilet contents taken from an 18th century mansion. It was found that Diphyllobothrium sp. eggs prevailed in the samples taken from the sacral surface. They were found in 64.3% of cases. At the same time, the prevalence of diphyllobothriasis does not depend on gender. Ascaris lumbricoides eggs were found in 1 individual, or 7.14% of the entire sample. However, Ascaris lumbricoides eggs prevailed in the toilet content of samples collected from the Yeniseisk manision. They were found in 14 of 15 samples (93.3%), while Taenia sp. eggs were found in 1 sample (6.7%). Having examined the results within a historical context, we conclude that the high prevalence of Diphyllobothriasis in the Yeniseisk population, responsible for establishing this burial ground, was caused by consumption of raw fish or poorly cooked fish and persisted, owing to a relative stability of dietary habits dating back to the Pomors, who were the first Russian settlers in the region in the 17th century, as well as a tradition of eating fish adopted from the indigenous population of the Siberian North. Both traditions were probably adapted to Northern conditions and were considered, in particular, as antiscorbutic. Taenia sp. cestode eggs detected in the content of one toilet sample is indicative of having consumed contaminated, insufficiently boiled or roasted, raw beef and/or pork. The diet of the Russians who settled in Yeniseisk during the 18th century was probably more diverse and included a sufficient amount of beef and/or pork. The minimal prevalence of ascariasis in Yeniseisk in the 17th century, as identified by the present study, might reflect relatively satisfactory sanitary conditions based on the small initial population. However, as the population and its density grew during the 18th century, it is likely that the sanitary conditions deteriorated, possibly aggravated by frequent floods.