Mexican mummies have bugs in their tummies: 16-07-2008
Scientists in Mexico have discovered that stomach bugs existed in the area that is now Mexico before Columbus landed in the Americas.
Bacteria discovered in the stomachs of two mummies shows that Helicobacter pylori existed around 1350 AD, proving that European settlers didn't bring the bug across the Atlantic Ocean.
Researcher Yolanda Lopez-Vidal said: "Our results show that H. pylori infections occurred around 1350 A.D. in the area we now know as Mexico."
"It is only through the use of the stomach tissue of these incredible mummies that we were able to make this discovery."
The Mexican mummies were found in a funeral caves, preserved by the dry climate.
One was found in La Ventana in the Chihuahua State desert while the other was discovered in the state of Durango.
The Helicobacter pylori bacteria can also cause gastritis, duodentis and cancer and the find could show that these conditions have existed for almost three and a half millennia.
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