Pathogen genomics study of an early medieval community in Germany

Pathogen genomics study of an early medieval community in Germany revealed high infection rate with four different pathogens. Over 30% of the Lauchheim population exhibited molecular sign of infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV), parvovirus B19, variola virus (VARV) and/or Mycobacterium leprae (M. leprae) at the time of death. Five double- and one triple infection were detected. We reconstructed 4 HBV genomes and 1 genome each of B19, VARV and M. leprae. All HBV genomes were of genotype D4 which is nowadays rare in Europe. The phylogenetic positioning and gene inactivation pattern of the VARV strain were suggestive of an ongoing adaptation to the human host. The M. leprae strain clustered in branch 3 together with the oldest to-date isolate from the UK.