Publication details
Metagenomic research of the ancient human dental calculus as a potential source for the study of rare infectious diseases
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| Year of publication | 2022 |
| Type | Conference abstract |
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| Citation | |
| Description | Ancient human dental calculus has been intensively studied in recent years by diverse molecular methods. It was found to be a rich and important source for detailed study of past populations, as well as their pathogens. This study presents the results of metagenomic research by sequencing 16S rRNA gene from bacteria trapped inside tartar and suggests the possibility of using such an approach to screen samples for rare infectious diseases. Dental calculus samples came from populations of four different periods: Copper Age (Funnelbeaker culture), Bronze Age (Unetice), Middle Ages (Great Moravia), and early modern period, which provides a comparison. Genera found include Nocardia, Haemophilus, Bartonella, Shigella, or Neisseria. Applied approach is recommended as a robust screening method. All laboratory procedures were carried out in a dedicated ancient biomolecule facility of the Laboratory of Biological and Molecular Anthropology. |
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