Microscopic Evidence of Malaria Infection in Visceral Tissue from Medici Family, Italy

Microscopy of mummified visceral tissue from a Medici family member in Italy identified a potential blood vessel containing erythrocytes. Giemsa staining, atomic force microscopy, and immunohistochemistry confirmed Plasmodium falciparum inside those erythrocytes. Our results indicate an ancient Mediterranean presence of P. falciparum, which remains responsible for most malaria deaths in Africa.

Automated summary

Microscopy of mummified visceral tissue from a Medici family member in Italy revealed a potential blood vessel with erythrocytes. Giemsa staining, atomic force microscopy, and immunohistochemistry confirmed the presence of Plasmodium falciparum within these erythrocytes. These findings suggest an ancient Mediterranean presence of P. falciparum, which continues to be responsible for most malaria deaths in Africa.