Examining pathogen DNA recovery across the remains of a 14th century Italian friar (Blessed Sante) infected with Brucella melitensis

Abstract

Objective

To investigate variation in ancient DNA recovery of Brucella melitensis, the causative agent of brucellosis, from multiple tissues belonging to one individual

Materials

14 samples were analyzed from the mummified remains of the Blessed Sante, a 14 ^th century Franciscan friar from central Italy, with macroscopic diagnosis of probable brucellosis.

Methods

Shotgun sequencing data from was examined to determine the presence of Brucella DNA.

Results

Three of the 14 samples contained authentic ancient DNA, identified as belonging to B. melitensis. A genome (23.81X depth coverage, 0.98 breadth coverage) was recovered from a kidney stone. Nine of the samples contained reads classified as B. melitensis (7−169), but for many the data quality was insufficient to withstand our identification and authentication criteria.

Conclusions

We identified significant variation in the preservation and abundance of B. melitensis DNA present across multiple tissues, with calcified nodules yielding the highest number of authenticated reads. This shows how greatly sample selection can impact pathogen identification.

Significance

Our results demonstrate variation in the preservation and recovery of pathogen DNA across tissues. This study highlights the importance of sample selection in the reconstruction of infectious disease burden and highlights the importance of a holistic approach to identifying disease.

Limitations

Study focuses on pathogen recovery in a single individual.

Suggestions for further research

Further analysis of how sampling impacts aDNA recovery will improve pathogen aDNA recovery and advance our understanding of disease in past peoples