Detection of ancient DNA of Encephalitozoon intestinalis (Microsporidia) in archaeological material

J Parasitol. 2014 Jun;100(3):356-9. doi: 10.1645/13-232.1. Epub 2014 Jan 28.

Abstract

Ancient DNA (aDNA) of Encephalitozoon intestinalis (Microsporidia, Fungi) was detected in archaeological material originated from New Town of Prague (Czech Republic) with the use of molecular methods. Microsporidial aDNA was found in 3 samples originating from 2 objects, in a well/cesspit (samples from layers from the 18th century) and in a well from the 18th/19th century. The ability to use molecular methods to detect microsporidia extends the range of paleoparasitological inquiry, and could contribute to a better understanding of parasites shared between human and animals.

Publication types

  • Historical Article
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Base Sequence
  • Czech Republic
  • DNA, Fungal / chemistry
  • DNA, Fungal / history
  • DNA, Fungal / isolation & purification*
  • Encephalitozoon / genetics*
  • Encephalitozoon / isolation & purification
  • Encephalitozoonosis / history*
  • History, 18th Century
  • History, 19th Century
  • Humans
  • Molecular Sequence Data

Substances

  • DNA, Fungal

Associated data

  • GENBANK/JX204837
  • GENBANK/JX204838
  • GENBANK/JX204839