Thesis (Ph.D.) - Cairo University - Institute of African Research and Studies - Department of Anthropology

The detection of falciparum malaria in ancient Egyptian remains had been performed by many authors using several methodologies including the use of rapid diagnostic tests. Through the immunochromatographic analysis of bone specimens from Giza skeletal collection dated to Old Kingdom, the researcher provides first evidence of non-falciparum malaria in ancient Egypt.The histidine rich protein-2 (HRP2) specific to Plasmodium falciparum was absent in 100% of examined samples, while, aldolase common to the four types of plasmodial pathogens causing human malaria, was detected in 56% of individuals with no significant difference between the two tested social groups; high officials (HO) and workers (W). In both social classes there was no significant difference between males and females. Although the scarcity of evidences concerning the cultural response to malaria in Ancient Egypt may hinder the objective analysis of its social burden, it is concluded that the socioeconomic factors did not affect the non-falciparum malaria prevalence in ancient Giza. It seems that the main risk factor was the presence of residences near natural and artificial waterways,which allowed prolonged contact between the vector and human host

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