Tuberculosis and leprosy associated with historical human population movements in Europe and beyond – an overview based on mycobacterial ancient DNA
Helen D. Donoghue
Received 13 Dec 2018, Accepted 13 May 2019, Accepted author version posted online: 28 May 2019
Download citation  https://doi.org/10.1080/03014460.2019.1624822 

Select Language​▼
Translator disclaimer
 Accepted author version
Abstract
Context: Tuberculosis and leprosy are readily recognized in human remains due to their typical palaeopathology. Both Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) and Mycobacterium leprae (ML) are obligate pathogens and have been detected in ancient human populations.

Objective: To demonstrate historical tuberculosis and leprosy cases in Europe and beyond using molecular methods, as human populations are associated with different mycobacterial genotypes.

Methods: MTB and ML ancient DNA (aDNA) has been detected by DNA amplification using PCR, or by whole genome sequencing. Mycobacterial cell wall lipids also provide specific markers for identification.

Results: In 18th century Hungary the European indigenous MTB genotype 4 strains have been found. However, many individuals were co-infected with up to three MTB sub-genotypes. In C8th–C14th Europe significant differences in ML genotypes were found between northwest Europe compared with central, southern, or eastern Europe. In addition, several co-infections of MTB and ML were detected in historical samples.

Conclusion: Both MTB and ML strain types differ between geographically separate populations. This is associated with ancient human migration after an evolutionary bottleneck and clonal expansion. The absence of indigenous leprosy in Europe today may be due to the greater mortality of tuberculosis in individuals who are co-infected with both organisms.

Keywords: Ancient DNA (aDNA), Genotyping, Mycobacterium leprae, Mycobacterium tuberculosis