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Microorganisms surviving for 5300 years

K Haselwandter1, M R Ebner

  • 1Department of Microbiology, University of Innsbruck, Austria.

FEMS Microbiology Letters
|February 15, 1994
PubMed
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Ancient microorganisms, including fungi and bacteria, were recovered from a 5300-year-old prehistoric man found in the Alps. This discovery shows that viable microbes can persist for millennia, offering insights into microbial evolution.

Area of Science:

  • Paleomicrobiology
  • Archaeo-biology
  • Evolutionary Biology

Background:

  • A well-preserved 5300-year-old prehistoric human corpse was discovered in the Central European Alps.
  • Analysis of associated materials revealed the presence of microorganisms potentially surviving since the individual's death.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify and isolate viable microorganisms from a prehistoric human mummy.
  • To investigate the long-term viability of microbes under natural preservation conditions.
  • To explore the potential of these ancient isolates for studying microbial evolution.

Main Methods:

  • Excavation and recovery of the prehistoric human corpse.
  • Sampling of materials associated with the mummy.
  • Isolation and identification of fungal and bacterial species using microbiological techniques.

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  • Taxonomic classification of isolated microorganisms.

    • Main Results:

    • Two fungal species (Chaetomium and Absidia genera) were successfully isolated.
    • One bacterial species (Streptomyces genus) was identified.
    • Demonstrated the viability of microorganisms after approximately 5300 years.

    Conclusions:

    • Microorganisms can remain viable for thousands of years under suitable preservation conditions.
    • Ancient microbial isolates provide a unique resource for studying evolutionary trends.
    • This finding has implications for understanding ancient ecosystems and microbial adaptation.