Oldest plague bacteria genome analyzed by Russian-German team

(Kazan Federal University) The team comprised researchers from Kazan Federal University and Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History. The bacteria were retrieved from a mass grave in Samara Oblast, Russia. As evidence showed, that particular strain contained key virulence factors ancestral to those which later caused pandemics of the 6th century (Eastern Roman Empire), 14th century (Eurasia), and 19th century (China).
Source: EurekAlert! - Infectious and Emerging Diseases - Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: news