## 4 Recent Applications of Paleoparasitology
### Contribution of Paleogenetics to Paleoparasitology  
Since the first paleoparasitology-turned-paleogenetics studies in 2001 [31; 32], few papers deal with parasite aDNA compared to other fields where paleogenetics is commonly applied. In 2018, [PERSON] and [PERSON] recorded around twenty papers of this kind. Since then, a couple more studies have been published, showing new interest in molecular paleoparasitology among researchers from a variety of fields [44]. Oddly enough, the search for parasite aDNA has not been extensively performed in funery contexts despite the high number of bioanthropological assemblages commonly discovered and studied using a wide diversity of approaches (examples include [45]; more recently [46]). In this aim, we recently studied sediment samples collected from several burials in the necroolis from the late Roman period under the basement of the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Italy [47; 48]. This funery area was in use over a short period of time (possibly a few weeks), undoubtedly associated with an epidemic event of still unknown origin. Indeed, the corpses tended to be gathered in common pits outside the city walls and taphonomic observations indicate that this area was not used for any kind of activity before the necroolis was set up, nor in the following centuries. Sediment samples were collected from the abdominal cavity of 18 out of the 75 individuals discovered up until now to look for intestinal parasites. The RHM protocol [37] for helminth egg extraction was applied, and five individuals showed Ascarid-type specimens, most probably related to _Ascaris lumbricoides_, a human-infesting parasite associated with fecal pollution (Figure 3A). Following this microscopy-based diagnosis, 10 sub-samples from five individuals (three of which were previously positive for Ascarid-type eggs under light microscopy) were tested for the ancient DNA of a diversity of intestinal parasites. The whole-sediment-DNA silica-based extraction was followed by targeted PCRs, then cloning and sequencing positive signals. Paleogenetics greatly expanded previously obtained results as all five individuals tested positive for at least one aDNA parasite, confirming the presence of _Ascaris_ sp. where Ascarid-type eggs were previously recorded. Moreover, two more taxa appeared as five individuals tested positive for _Trichuris trichiura_, and one individual tested positive for _Dicroceilium dendriticum_.  
Even if the latter case may be called into question due to possible DNA leaching, this integrative approach allowed us to recognize potential samples under the microscope before testing them for aDNA, and extended previously known parasite diversity and diffusion in this population sub-group. These observations are in line with previous conclusions in paleoparasitology and other fields of paleoecology, regarding the usefulness of integrative approaches combining classical and molecular proxies for a more comprehensive picture of past environments. Moreover, it contributes, with previous papers, to pave the way for a finer comprehension of past infectious dynamics in human populations through time and a better understanding of endemic and epidemic disease interrelationships.