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Tuberculosis is one of most ancient diseases affecting human populations. Although numerous studies have tried to detect pathogenic DNA in ancient skeletons, the successful identification of ancient tuberculosis strains remains rare. Here, we describe a study of 140 ancient subjects inhumed in Yakutia (Eastern Siberia) during a tuberculosis outbreak, dating from the 16th–19th century. For a long time, Yakut populations had remained isolated from European populations, and it was not until the beginning of the 17th century that first contacts were made with European settlers. Subsequently, tuberculosis spread throughout Yakutia, and the evolution of tuberculosis frequencies can be tracked until the 19th century. This study took a multidisciplinary approach, examining historical and paleo-epidemiological data to understand the impact of tuberculosis on ancient Yakut population. In addition, molecular identification of the ancient tuberculosis strain was realized to elucidate the natural history and host-pathogen co-evolution of human tuberculosis that was present in this population. This was achieved by the molecular detection of the IS6110 sequence and SNP genotyping by the SNaPshot technique. Results demonstrated that the strain belongs to cluster PGG2-SCG-5, evocating a European origin. Our study suggests that the Yakut population may have been shaped by selection pressures, exerted by several illnesses, including tuberculosis, over several centuries. This confirms the validity and necessity of using a multidisciplinary approach to understand the natural history of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection and disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Since 2004, a multidisciplinary Franco-Russian expedition discovered in the Sakha Republic (Yakutiya) more than 60 tombs preserved by the permafrost. In July 2006, an exceptionally well-preserved mummy was unearthed. The coffin, burial furniture and clothes suggested a shaman''s tomb. Multislice computed tomography (MSCT) was performed before autopsy with forensic and anthropological aims. Forensic study aimed to detect any lesions and determine the manner of death. Anthropological study aimed to determine the mummy''s gender, age at death, morphological affinity, stature and body mass. She was female and virginity status was assessed. The radiological and forensic conclusions were compared. Imaging confirmed most autopsy findings, suggesting that death followed disseminated infection. MSCT could not formally exclude a traumatic death because close examination of the skin was difficult, but was superior to conventional autopsy in diagnosis of infectious lesions of the left sacroiliac joint and one pelvic lesion. Autopsy detected a post-infectious spinal lesion, misinterpreted on MSCT as a Schmorl''s node. However, most conclusions of virtual and conventional anthropological studies agreed. Age at death was estimated around 19 years old. The morphology of the mummy was mongoloid. MSCT identified the craniometric characteristics as similar to those of the Buryat population. The deceased''s stature was 146cm and estimated body mass was 49kg. MSCT demonstrated its great potential and complementarity with conventional autopsy and anthropological techniques in the study of this natural female mummy buried in 1728. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]