Mummified remains of 16th century prince reveal how E. coli superbug has evolved over 400 years

Researchers were able to isolate fragments of the bacterium before reconstructing the ancient genome, Maryam Zakir-Hussain reports

Scientists have recovered mummified gallstones containing the ancient genome E.coli (University of Pisa/SWNS)

A 400-year-old gallstone extracted from the mummified body of a 16th century prince has been used to reconstruct the first ancient genome of E. coli.

Researchers at McMaster University conducted a detailed analysis of Italian prince, Giovani d’Avaos, who died in 1586. He was thought to have died from chronic inflammation of the gallbladder due to gallstones.

E.coli is a pathogen which infects its host during periods of stress, underlying sickness or immunodeficiency (Getty Images/iStockphoto)