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Historic and Prehistoric Epidemics: An Overview of Sources Available for the Study of Ancient Pathogens

Antoinette C van der Kuyl1,2

  • 1Laboratory of Experimental Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Epidemiologia (Basel, Switzerland)
|December 22, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Investigating ancient DNA from remains and our own genomes helps uncover the evolutionary history of pathogens. This molecular knowledge aids in understanding past epidemics and preparing for future disease outbreaks.

Area of Science:

  • Paleomicrobiology
  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Genomics

Background:

  • Parasitic microbes have influenced life's history, causing outbreaks and epidemics.
  • Studying past pandemics is crucial for understanding disease evolution and future preparedness.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review diverse sources for investigating ancient pathogens and diseases.
  • To highlight how molecular insights into historical pathogens inform present and future epidemic understanding.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of ancient DNA from archeological and historical remains.
  • Examination of genomic data, including selective sweeps in immune genes.
  • Utilizing historical publications and burial patterns to trace ancient pathogens.

Main Results:

  • Ancient DNA studies have revealed evolutionary trajectories of pathogens like smallpox, hepatitis B, and *Yersinia pestis*.
  • Host genomes contain molecular evidence of past pathogen interactions.
  • Historical records and burial sites offer complementary data for pathogen tracking.

Conclusions:

  • A multidisciplinary approach combining ancient DNA, genomics, and historical data is vital for studying prehistoric diseases.
  • Understanding pathogen evolution through molecular analysis provides critical insights for managing current and future epidemics.
Keywords:
EVEsancient DNAarcheobiologyhistoric publicationshistorypaleogenomicspaleovirologypathology collectionsprehistory

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