Estimating molecular preservation of the intestinal microbiome via metagenomic analyses of latrine sediments from two medieval cities.

ABSTRACT: Ancient latrine sediments, which contain the concentrated collective biological waste of past whole human communities, have the potential to be excellent proxies for human gastrointestinal health on the population level. A rich body of literature explores their use to detect the presence of gut-associated eukaryotic parasites through microscopy, immunoassays and genetics. Despite this interest, a lack of studies have explored the whole genetic content of ancient latrine sediments through consideration not only of gut-associated parasites, but also of core community gut microbiome signals that remain from the group that used the latrine. Here, we present a metagenomic analysis of bulk sediment from medieval latrines in Riga (Latvia) and Jerusalem. Our analyses reveal survival of microbial D

SUBMITTER: Sabin S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7702797 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature