Microbial Genomics of Ancient Plagues and Outbreaks. Issue 12 (December 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Andam, Cheryl P.; Worby, Colin J.; Chang, Qiuzhi; Campana, Michael G.
• Is Part Of: Trends in microbiology. Volume 24:Issue 12(2016)
• Page Start: 978
• Page End: 990
• Publication Date: 2016-12
• Subjects: genomics -- genome -- pathogen -- plague -- epidemic -- ancient DNA; Microbiology -- Periodicals; Infection -- Periodicals; Virulence (Microbiology) -- Periodicals; Infection -- Periodicals; Microbiology -- Periodicals; Virulence -- Periodicals; Microbiologie -- Périodiques; Infection -- Périodiques; Virulence (Microbiologie) -- Périodiques; Infection; Microbiology; Virulence (Microbiology); 579
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2016.08.004
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0966-842X

Abstract

Abstract : The recent use of next-generation sequencing methods to investigate historical disease outbreaks has provided us with an unprecedented ability to address important and long-standing questions in epidemiology, pathogen evolution, and human history. In this review, we present major findings that illustrate how microbial genomics has provided new insights into the nature and etiology of infectious diseases of historical importance, such as plague, tuberculosis, and leprosy. Sequenced isolates collected from archaeological remains also provide evidence for the timing of historical evolutionary events as well as geographic spread of these pathogens. Elucidating the genomic basis of virulence in historical diseases can provide relevant information on how we can effectively understand the emergence and re-emergence of infectious diseases today and in the future. Trends: Important challenges to ancient genomic analyses include limited DNA sampling and methodological issues (DNA authentication, recovery, isolation, enrichment, sequencing, false positives). Genome sequencing of pathogens from historically notable disease outbreaks provides insight into the nature of long-term coevolution of humans and pathogens. Microbial genomics can inform us of the origins and geographic spread of ancient diseases, which can be used to corroborate historical literature and archaeological evidence. Genomic data also provide information on the underlying causes of virulence and transmission of ancient pathogens, as well as the relationship between historical and contemporary lineages.