Analysis of microbiome diversity in coprolites from Caral, Peru

A groundbreaking analysis of ancient coprolites from the Sacred City of Caral, Peru—the oldest civilization in the Americas—reveals the microbial diversity of its inhabitants dating back 3000 to 1800 years BC. The study identified Firmicutes as the dominant bacterial phylum and Ascomycota and Basidiomycota among fungi, with Bacillus and Aspergillus emerging as the most abundant genera in all samples. To minimize contamination, DNA extraction was performed using a mobile ancient laboratory near the collection site, enabling rapid molecular processing. This innovative approach provides the first comprehensive microbiome profile of Caral, offering insights into the dietary habits and environmental interactions of its people.

Jaramillo-Valverde, L. (2022). Analysis of microbiome diversity in coprolites from Caral, Peru. Bioinformation, 18(12), 1159–1165. https://doi.org/10.6026/973206300181159