Helicobacter pylori in a Mexican Pre-Columbian Mummy
Author Information
Author(s): Gonzalo Castillo-Rojas, Marco A Cerbón, Yolanda López-Vidal
Primary Institution: Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México
Hypothesis
The study aimed to detect the presence of Helicobacter pylori in pre-Columbian mummies from Northern Mexico.
Conclusion
The study found evidence of Helicobacter pylori infection in a Mexican pre-Columbian mummy dating from approximately 1,350 AD.
Supporting Evidence
- Two out of four gastric samples tested positive for H. pylori.
- Nucleotide sequence analysis showed 98-99% homology with known H. pylori sequences.
- The mummy was radiocarbon-dated to approximately 1,350 AD.
Takeaway
Scientists found a bacteria called Helicobacter pylori in an ancient mummy, showing that people in Mexico had this bacteria a long time ago.
Methodology
DNA was extracted from tissue samples and H. pylori was detected using Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and hybridization techniques.
Limitations
Contemporary contamination cannot be completely ruled out.
Participant Demographics
Two mummies studied included one adult male and one infant male.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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