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Bacteria

Ancient Gut Microbiome Revealed Through Analysis of Preserved Feces and Intestinal Tissue

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Researchers at Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico have made a significant discovery by analyzing the preserved remains of a man from Mexico, dating back around 1,000 years. The study has shed light on the specific types of bacteria present in the microbiome of this ancient individual, providing valuable insights into ancient populations and the evolution of the human gut microbiome. The analysis revealed the presence of several families of bacteria associated with the human microbiome, including Peptostreptococcaceae, Enterobacteriaceae, and Enterococcaceae, as well as high levels of bacteria in the Clostridiaceae family. The findings also included the presence of Romboutsia hominis, a bacterium associated with the modern human gut microbiome, but previously not found in ancient microbiomes.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study analyzed the preserved remains of a man from Mexico, dating back around 1,000 years, and shed light on the specific types of bacteria present in his microbiome.
  • The analysis revealed the presence of several families of bacteria associated with the human microbiome, including Peptostreptococcaceae, Enterobacteriaceae, and Enterococcaceae.
  • High levels of bacteria in the Clostridiaceae family were also detected, which have previously been found in intestinal tissue of mummies from ancient Andean civilizations.
  • The findings also included the presence of Romboutsia hominis, a bacterium associated with the modern human gut microbiome, but previously not found in ancient microbiomes.
  • The study suggests that the Zimapan man's remains were neatly wrapped, indicating that he was an important figure within the community.
  • The outer layer of the bundle was made of a mat, which was made from long fibers of maguey plant, and the inner layer consisted of a perfectly woven sheet of native brown cotton.
  • The mathematical composition of the knots within the fabric suggests a complex and peculiar arrangement, which has been interpreted as indicating a high level of craftsmanship.

Statistics:

  • The study analyzed the preserved remains of a man from Mexico, dating back around 1,000 years.
  • The analysis revealed the presence of several families of bacteria associated with the human microbiome.
  • High levels of bacteria in the Clostridiaceae family were detected, which have previously been found in intestinal tissue of mummies from ancient Andean civilizations.
  • The study included the presence of Romboutsia hominis, a bacterium associated with the modern human gut microbiome, but previously not found in ancient microbiomes.
  • The study suggests that the Zimapan man's remains were neatly wrapped, indicating that he was an important figure within the community.

Sources:

  • Rosas-Plaza S, Mainou L, Delgado G, Morales R, Aguilar-Romero A, Escalante AE, et al. (2025) Microbiome characterization of a pre-Hispanic man from Zimapan, Mexico: Insights into ancient gut microbial communities. PLoS One 20(10): e0331137. https://doi-org.sdpl.idm.oclc.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0331137
  • Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico
  • PLOS One

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