Plague DNA Found in 1,500-Year-Old Mass Grave

1. Yersinia pestis causes various plagues.
2. Recent studies link genomic data to historical outbreaks.
3. A mass grave in Jerash revealed a nearly identical Y. pestis strain.
4. The study showed virulence factors aiding transmission.
5. Plague strains emerged from multiple reservoirs, not a single source.
6. Genetic changes were noted during pandemic periods.
7. Modern strains are found in non-human reservoirs.
8. Laboratory techniques enhance pathogen surveillance and understanding.