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Paleopathology of Human Infections: Old Bones, Antique Books, Ancient and Modern Molecules
1Laboratoire d'Anthropologie biologique Paul Broca - École Pratique des Hautes Etudes, PSL Research University Paris, Paris, France.
Abstract:
Paleopathology studies the traces of disease on human and animal remains from ancient times. Infectious diseases have been, for over a century, one of its main fields of interest. The applications of paleogenetics methods to microbial aDNA, that started in the 90s combined to the recent development of new sequencing techniques allowing 'paleogenomics' approaches, have completely renewed the issue of the infections in the past. These advances open up new challenges in the understanding of the evolution of human-pathogen relationships, integrated in "One Health" concept.In this perspective, an integrative multidisciplinary approach combining data from ancient texts and old bones to those of old molecules is of great interest for reconstructing the past of human infections. Despite some too optimistic prediction of their eradication in the late 20th century, some of these ancient human diseases, such as plague, leprosy or tuberculosis, are still present and continue their evolution at the beginning of this 21rst century. Better know the past to predict a part of the future of human diseases remains, more than ever, the motto of the paleopathological science.
Insights
Paleopathology uses ancient DNA and paleogenomics to study past infectious diseases. This research helps understand human-pathogen evolution and predict future disease trends.
Area of Science:
- Paleopathology
- Paleogenetics
- Paleogenomics
- Infectious Diseases
- Evolutionary Medicine
- One Health
Background:
- Paleopathology has long studied ancient infectious diseases.
- Recent advances in paleogenetics and paleogenomics have revolutionized the study of past infections.
- Understanding historical disease evolution is crucial for contemporary public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the renewed understanding of past infections through paleogenomics.
- To highlight the importance of an integrated, multidisciplinary approach.
- To connect historical disease patterns with current and future health challenges.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of microbial ancient DNA (aDNA).
- Application of paleogenomics techniques.
- Integration of data from ancient texts, skeletal remains, and molecular data.
Main Results:
- Paleogenomics offers new insights into the evolution of human-pathogen relationships.
- Ancient diseases like plague, leprosy, and tuberculosis persist and evolve.
- Multidisciplinary approaches are essential for reconstructing past epidemics.
Conclusions:
- Paleopathology, enhanced by paleogenomics, is vital for understanding disease evolution.
- Knowledge of past human-pathogen interactions informs the "One Health" concept.
- Studying historical diseases aids in predicting and managing future public health threats.
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