Identifying Ancient Bacterial Pathogens in Human Remains
Author Information
Author(s): Thèves Catherine, Senescau Alice, Vanin Stefano, Keyser Christine, Ricaut François Xavier, Alekseev Anatoly N., Dabernat Henri, Ludes Bertrand, Fabre Richard, Crubézy Eric
Primary Institution: Laboratoire AMIS, UMR 5288, Université Toulouse III/CNRS/Université de Strasbourg, Toulouse, France
Hypothesis
Can bacterial pathogens be identified in ancient human samples without prior indications of pathology?
Conclusion
The study successfully identified Bordetella pertussis in ancient human remains, demonstrating a method for detecting pathogens without historical context.
Supporting Evidence
- Three pathogens were identified in ancient teeth samples: Bordetella sp., Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Shigella dysenteriae.
- The methodology allowed for the identification of bacterial DNA without prior historical evidence.
- Ancient DNA analysis confirmed the presence of Bordetella pertussis in a male Siberian subject.
Takeaway
Scientists found germs that can make people sick in old teeth from ancient bodies, showing how people got sick a long time ago.
Methodology
The study used a four-step methodology to amplify and identify bacterial DNA from ancient human samples.
Potential Biases
Potential contamination from modern DNA during the analysis process.
Limitations
The study's findings are limited to the specific samples analyzed and may not represent all ancient populations.
Participant Demographics
Ancient human subjects from Yakutia, Siberia, dating from the end of the 17th to the 19th century.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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