Microbial survey of the mummies from the Capuchin Catacombs of Palermo, Italy: biodeterioration risk and contamination of the indoor air

Abstract

The Capuchin Catacombs of Palermo contain over 1800 preserved bodies dating from the 16th to 20th centuries AD and showing evidence of biodeterioration. An extensive microbiological and molecular investigation was recently performed. Samples were taken from skin, muscle, hair, bone, stuffing materials, clothes, and surrounding walls as well as from the indoor air. In this study, we witnessed that the different degradation phenomena observed on the variety of materials located at the Capuchin Catacombs of Palermo are biological in origin. Molecular techniques showed the dominance of halophilic species of the domains Bacteria and Archaea on the walls and – as a result of salt emanating from the walls – on the mummies themselves. Nevertheless, specialized microorganisms belonging to taxa well-known for their cellulolytic and proteolytic activities were detected on clothes and stuffing material, and on skin, muscle, hair, and bone, respectively. This specialized microbiota is threatening the conservation of the mummies themselves. Additionally, sequences related to the human skin microbiome and to some pathogenic Bacteria (order Clostridiales) and fungi (genus Phialosimplex) were identified on samples derived from the mummies. Furthermore, a phosphate-reducing fungus, Penicillium radicum, was detected on bone. Finally, the high concentration of airborne fungal spores is not conducive to the conservation of the human remains and is posing a potential health risk for visitors.

The microbiomes of a XVIII century mummy from the castle of Krásna Hôrka (Slovakia) and its surrounding environment

“…The most common intersection of microbiology and mummies lies in the study of ancient pathogens, and many studies have focused on various epidemic and infectious diseases (Anastasiou and Mitchell, ; Chan et al ., ; Devault et al ., ; Duggan et al ., ; Maixner et al ., ). Only a few studies have investigated the microbial communities responsible for the deterioration of mummies, which are considered valuable relics from our historical and cultural heritage (Jurado et al ., ; Piñar et al ., ; ; Šimonovičová et al ., ; DeAraujo et al ., ).…”

A survey of xerophilic Aspergillus from indoor environment, including descriptions of two new section Aspergillus species producing eurotium-like sexual states

“…Also of concern is the growth of these fungi in museums or libraries on historic artefacts such as books, carpets or paintings. They also commonly grow on/ in leather, dust, softwood, a variety of textiles and even dried specimens in herbaria (Cavka et al 2010;Micheluz et al 2015;Pinar et al 2013;Pinar et al 2015;Pitt and Hocking 2009;Raper and Fennell 1965;Samson et al 2010). For the food industry, these species have an economic impact because they can grow on stored grain, cereals or preserved foods with high sugar (i.e.…”

Molecular Analysis of Skin Bacterial Assemblages from Codfish and Pollock after Dry-Salted Fish Production

“…Sequence reads related to the genus Salinisphaera were abundant in G. morhua (16.64%). Salinisphaera belongs to the Gammaproteobacteria, which comprises well-known mesophilic halotolerant bacteria ( Table 1) that have been recently isolated from salt efflorescences derived from the surrounding walls of the Capuchin Catacombs of Palermo, Italy (50). Because of its tolerance to high salt concentrations and ability to grow at environmental tempera tures, this group of bacteria may contribute to the spoilage of salted codfish.…”