Sheeppox virus DNA extracted from medieval manuscripts reveals 3,500-year evolution

Medieval Parchment as a Genetic Archive

Researchers successfully extracted and sequenced sheeppox virus DNA from the parchment of medieval manuscripts. This parchment, often made from sheep leather, preserved genetic material from the animals used in its creation. The findings were published in the journal Science Advances.

Reconstructing Viral Evolution

The sequenced DNA allowed scientists to reconstruct the evolutionary history of the sheeppox virus over the past 3,500 years. This provides a genetic understanding of how the virus has changed over millennia, complementing historical written accounts of outbreaks.

Implications for Disease Research

Co-author Louis L’Hôte noted that this discovery demonstrates parchment's ability to preserve animal pathogen DNA. This suggests that archives and libraries globally may contain genetic traces of past animal disease outbreaks, offering new avenues for studying infectious diseases.

Historical Context of Sheeppox

Sheeppox is a highly contagious and often fatal viral disease. Historical records indicate outbreaks dating back to the first century CE, with more frequent mentions in the Middle Ages across Europe. While largely eradicated in the 20th century, regional outbreaks still occur, such as one in Greece last year.