Main description:

This fascinating new volume comes complete with color illustrations and features the methodology and main achievements in the emerging field of paleomicrobiology. It's an area research at the intersection of microbiology and evolution, history and anthropology. New molecular approaches have already provided exciting results, such as confirmation of a single biotype of Yersinia pestis as the cause of historical plague pandemics. An absorbing read for scientists in related fields.

Contents:

The Techniques and Methods.- Great Plagues of the Past and Remaining Questions.- Identification and Interpretation of Historical Cemeteries Linked to Epidemics.- Archaeological Proof of an Abrupt Mortality Crisis: Simultaneous Deposit of Cadavers, Simultaneous Deaths?.- Molecular Detection of Past Pathogens.- Histologic Detection of Past Pathogens.- Ancient Microorganisms Bacteria.- Palaeomicrobiology of Tuberculosis.- Past Leprae.- Archaeology of Human Pathogens: Palaeopathological Appraisal of Palaeoepidemiology.- Past Plague.- Typhoid Fever Epidemic in Ancient Athens.- Dental Pulp as a Tool for the Retrospective Diagnosis of Infectious Diseases.- History of Influenza Pandemics.- Human lice: Pediculus and Pthirus.