title: Tuberculosis: from prehistory to Robert Koch, as revealed by ancient DNA.
abstract: During the past 10 years palaeomicrobiology, a new scientific discipline, has developed. The study of ancient pathogens by direct detection of their DNA has answered several historical questions and shown changes to pathogens over time. However, ancient DNA (aDNA) continues to be controversial and great care is needed to provide valid data. Here we review the most successful application of the technology, which is the study of tuberculosis. This has provided direct support for the current theory of Mycobacterium tuberculosis evolution, and suggests areas of investigation for the interaction of M tuberculosis with its host.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Infectious Diseases and International Health, University College London, London, UK.
authors.forename: Helen D
authors.initials: HD
authors.lastname: Donoghue
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Spigelman
authors.forename: Charles L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Greenblatt
authors.forename: Galit
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Lev-Maor
authors.forename: Gila Kahila
authors.initials: GK
authors.lastname: Bar-Gal
authors.forename: Carney
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Matheson
authors.forename: Kim
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Vernon
authors.forename: Andreas G
authors.initials: AG
authors.lastname: Nerlich
authors.forename: Albert R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Zink
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D005075:Biological Evolution; D003141:Communicable Diseases / Q000266:history / Q000382:microbiology; D004269:DNA, Bacterial / Q000032:analysis / Q000266:history*; D049690:History, Ancient; D006801:Humans; D009106:Mummies; D009169:Mycobacterium tuberculosis / Q000235:genetics*; D010164:Paleopathology; D014376:Tuberculosis / Q000266:history* / Q000382:microbiology
chemical_list: D004269:DNA, Bacterial