Scientists discover new unknown bacteria in mummy that thrives in mercury

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We realized high prevalence of a nontuberculous mycobacterium (NTM) species in brain tissue sample. The genome analysis of this NTM displayed richness of virulence genes and toxins, and similarity to other infectious NTM, known to infect immunocompromised patients. In addition, it displayed potential resistance to mercury compounds, which might indicate a selective advantage against the applied treatment. This suggests that ACB might have suffered from an atypical mycobacteriosis during her life, which could explain the mummy’s bone lesion and high mercury concentrations.

The toxicological analyses of the mummy revealed high levels of mercury in different body organs, which is assumed to be the reason behind the mummification of the corpse (the antibacterial effect of mercury can slow down putrefaction), in addition to the dry conditions in the masonry grave shaft and the high salt concentration of the surrounding soils. Since mercury inhalation was a common treatment against infections, particularly syphilis, it was believed that she might have suffered from syphilis during her lifetime.