Primitive relations of TB with human beings dating back in time

Professor Sarah Dunstan from the University of Melbourne presented a groundbreaking study on the past and present of both humans and the bacteria causing tuberculosis at the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) on Monday.

The study, which explores the co-evolution of humans and the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacterium, found that the spread of TB lineages, specifically Lineage 1 and Lineage 2, mirrored human migration patterns.

According to the two-layer hypothesis, Asia was populated in two major phases. The first migration occurred between 50,000 and 65,000 years ago, while the second happened around 45,000 years ago, marking the shift from hunter-gatherer lifestyles to settled communities due to agriculture development about 9,000 years ago.

Lineage 1, which is less transmissible, seems to have corresponded with early hunter-gatherer groups that moved around the southern rim of the Indian Ocean. On the other hand, Lineage 2, which arose in Asia and is more transmissible, followed the pattern of those migrating north of the Himalayas.

As agricultural societies formed, TB adapted to spread more easily due to larger populations in cities providing more hosts. The earliest known record of the bacterium being found in ancient DNA is from Neanderthals.

Professor Dunstan's research also explores how East Asia's population history was shaped by two main waves: one from the south and another from the north. The study helps mark the co-evolution of both the bacteria and humans and guides biologists for studying the disease and how it spreads in the region.

The conference, which continues till February 12, is presenting similar studies from researchers across the globe. The event offered opportunities for students to present their ideas in one-minute flash talks and posters on display. Over 200 visitors interacted with each other over themes of drug resistant tuberculosis, extra-pulmonary TB, and developments in TB diagnosis.

Unfortunately, there are no search results indicating the location where Professor Sarah Dunstan presented her study on the coherent development of humans and tuberculosis bacteria. However, her findings are a significant contribution to understanding the history and spread of TB, offering valuable insights for future research and disease control strategies.