Diagnosis of Schistosomiasis in Nubian Mummies Público

Abstract

Abstract
Diagnosis of Schistosomiasis in Nubian Mummies
By Hillary M. Olivier
Analysis of preserved soft tissue from naturally desiccated mummies has proven to be
useful in understanding the emergence and development of diseases that continue to
impact contemporary populations. In order to develop a better understanding of the
relative sensitivity of tests conducted on these tissue types, we have tested a series of
matched skin tissue and cranial contents samples from the NAX group (350-550 CE)
cemetery population from Wadi Halfa in ancient Nubia. Each sample was homogenized,
dialyzed, and lyophilized, and an enzyme linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA) was
performed to diagnose Schistosoma mansoni infection and antigen concentration present
in tissue samples. Antigen concentrations found in matched tissues were analyzed to
determine the relationship between antigen levels detected in these types of dessicated
tissue. Physiological and taphonomic causal mechanisms for variation between them is
examined. A general model for the relative prevalence of infections tested in these tissue
types will be developed. Further study with a larger data set may lead to conclusions
about minimum antigen concentrations detectable in preserved samples as well as the
aplicability of the relative prevalence figures presented here for other diseases.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Introduction............................................................................................................1
Background.............................................................................................................2
Materials & Methods..............................................................................................14
Results..................................................................................................................17
Discussion & Analysis..............................................................................................21
Conclusions............................................................................................................27
Literature Cited......................................................................................................28

Figures

Figure 1- S. mansoni Life Cycle.................................................................................4
Figure 2- Mean Value of the Standard Curve Concentrations for ELISA.......................17

Tables

Table 1- ELISA plate diagram...................................................................................15
Table 2- Table Standard Curve Values from ELISA....................................................18
Table 3- Raw values, concentrations, mean concentrations, standard deviations,
confidence and overall results for individual samples from ELISA................................19
Table 4- Comparison of Skin and Crania Assay Results.............................................22
Table 5- Distribution and Results from Alvrus 2006, including mean sample sizes.......24

About this Honors Thesis

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• Permission granted by the author to include this thesis or dissertation in this repository. All rights reserved by the author. Please contact the author for information regarding the reproduction and use of this thesis or dissertation.

School	Emory College
Department	Anthropology
Degree	BS
Submission	Honors Thesis
Language	English
Research Field	Anthropology, Archaeology Anthropology, Physical
Palavra-chave	Nubian mummies schistosomiasis paleopathology
Committee Chair / Thesis Advisor	Armelagos, George, Emory University
Committee Members	Stutz, Aaron, Emory University Jacob, Nitya P, Emory University

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