An Ancient Epstein-Barr Virus Genome Recovered From a Museum Penis Sheath From Papua

Abstract

Ancient DNA provides a unique opportunity to study the history and spread of infectious diseases. Here, we analyzed 21 samples from a collection of 20th century penis sheaths recorded as coming from Papua New Guinea, Papua (Indonesia) and Vanuatu, and housed at the Musée du quai Branly-Jacques Chirac in Paris. Despite the presence of environmental species, we identified human-associated bacteria and, notably, an Epstein-Barr virus genome at high coverage. Phylogenetic analysis placed this strain within a Papua New Guinea–Indonesian cluster. These findings highlight museum collections as valuable reservoirs of genetic data, offering historical insights into the evolution and spread of human pathogens.