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Updated: Jul 17, 2026
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A Novel Microdissection Approach to Recovering Mycobacterium tuberculosis Specific Transcripts from Formalin Fixed Paraffin Embedded Lung Granulomas
Published on: June 5, 2014
Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex DNA from an extinct bison dated 17,000 years before the present.
B M Rothschild1, L D Martin, G Lev
1Arthritis Center of Northeast Ohio, 5500 Market St., Youngstown, OH 44512, USA. bmr@neoucom.edu
Summary
Tuberculosis DNA was detected in a 17,870-year-old bison fossil, suggesting ancient origins for the disease in North America. This finding provides crucial insights into the evolutionary history of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex.
Area of Science:
- Paleogenomics
- Paleopathology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Assessing the presence and origin of tuberculosis in Pleistocene fauna is crucial for understanding disease evolution.
- North America's ancient bison populations are key subjects for investigating prehistoric pathogens.
Observation:
- Pathological changes suggestive of tuberculosis were observed in a Pleistocene long-horned bison metacarpal.
- The fossil was radiocarbon dated to 17,870+/-230 years before present.
Findings:
- DNA extraction and polymerase chain reaction amplification successfully isolated fragments of tuberculosis DNA.
- Sequencing and spoligotyping of the DNA fragments helped determine their relationship to the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex.
- Extensive precautions against contamination were employed across two separate laboratories.
Implications:
- This study provides the first molecular evidence of tuberculosis in Pleistocene North American fauna.
- The findings contribute to understanding the ancient origins and evolutionary trajectory of tuberculosis.
- This research highlights the potential of paleogenomic analysis in reconstructing pathogen histories.
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