Chagas Disease in Ancient Hunter-Gatherer Population, Brazil
Author Information
Author(s): Lima Valdirene S., Iniguez Alena M., Otsuki Koko, Ferreira Luiz Fernando, Araújo Adauto, Vicente Ana Carolina P., Jansen Ana Maria
Primary Institution: Oswaldo Cruz Foundation
Hypothesis
The study investigates the presence of Trypanosoma cruzi in ancient human remains from a hunter-gatherer population in Brazil.
Conclusion
The study shows that human infection with T. cruzi in Brazil dates back at least 4,500 years, predating the domestication of its primary vector.
Supporting Evidence
- The mummy was found in an archeological site in Brazil and dated back 4,500–7,000 years.
- T. cruzi I was identified in the ancient DNA extracted from the remains.
- The study suggests that the distribution of T. cruzi genotypes in humans has changed over time.
Takeaway
Scientists found evidence of an ancient disease in a mummy that lived thousands of years ago, showing that people got sick from it long before the bugs that spread it were living in homes.
Methodology
The study involved the extraction of ancient DNA from a rib fragment of a mummy and subsequent genetic analysis to identify the presence of T. cruzi.
Participant Demographics
The study focuses on a single ancient individual, a woman approximately 35 years old from a hunter-gatherer population.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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