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Migrating microbes: what pathogens can tell us about population movements and human evolution
Charlotte J Houldcroft1,2, Jean-Baptiste Ramond3, Riaan F Rifkin3
1a Department of Archaeology and Anthropology, Division of Biological Anthropology , University of Cambridge , Cambridge , UK.
Annals of Human Biology
|May 18, 2017
Summary
Pathogen genomes reveal human migration history in Africa. Studying diseases like HIV and Schistosoma mansoni offers insights into past human behavior and improves future health outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Paleovirology
- Human evolutionary biology
- Infectious disease dynamics
Background:
- Human migration patterns are intricately linked with the co-evolution of infectious diseases.
- Pathogen genetic codes offer insights into the historical movements and interactions of their human hosts.
- Africa's deep evolutionary history, primate diversity, and disease reservoirs make it crucial for studying pathogen evolution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate pathogens that leave traces in the archaeological record.
- To assess the feasibility of recovering ancient pathogens from sub-Saharan African archaeological sites.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of pathogen genomes (e.g., HIV, Schistosoma mansoni, human herpes simplex virus 2).
- Correlation of pathogen spread with historical events like colonialism, slave trade, and infrastructure development.
- Examination of genetic data for evidence of hominin migration and interaction.
Main Results:
- HIV's dissemination is linked to colonialism and railway networks over the past 150 years.
- Schistosoma mansoni's spread is associated with the trans-Atlantic slave trade and freshwater fishing practices.
- Human herpes simplex virus 2 genomes provide clues about ancient hominin migrations and interactions.
Conclusions:
- Modern African pathogen genomes offer valuable data on deep-time human behavior and migration.
- Understanding pathogen evolution aids in improving human quality of life and longevity.
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