Scientists studying ancient DNA from human remains in Ecuador have uncovered evidence of 1,500 years of genetic continuity and a rare case of tuberculosis dating to before European contact with the Americas. The study, published in PNAS Nexus, sheds light on the ancestry and health of ancient communities along South America’s Pacific coast.
A research team led by John Lindo analyzed DNA from four individuals buried at Salango, an archaeological site on Ecuador’s central coast. The remains date to approximately 2,300, 1,900, and 740 years ago.
Ancient DNA reveals shared ancestry dating back thousands of years
Researchers compared the four genomes with genetic data from ancient and present-day populations across South America. Their analysis suggests that the ancestors of the Salango population diverged from other Southern Native American populations around 9,800 years ago.
Despite living centuries apart, all four individuals showed genetic similarities. Their genomes also shared ancestry with populations from Ecuador, Colombia, and Peru. The results suggest that Salango belonged to a broader group of genetically related populations in northwestern South America.
The findings provide evidence of population continuity over roughly 1,500 years, although they do not rule out migration or contact with neighboring communities. Earlier DNA research in Argentina has also revealed genetic lineages that persisted for thousands of years.
Ancient population maintained genetic ties through major changes
The genetic similarities are significant because the region experienced major environmental and cultural changes during the period studied. One notable event was the eruption of Ecuador’s Pululahua volcano around 2,360 years ago. The region also witnessed the rise of chiefdoms and the expansion of maritime and overland trade networks.
Ancient DNA from Ecuador reveals 1,500 years of genetic continuity despite major environmental and cultural changes. Scientists also uncovered rare evidence of tuberculosis in an infant who lived before Europeans arrived in the Americas. pic.twitter.com/GUGbjpFGhk
— Tom Marvolo Riddle (@tom_riddle2025) October 28, 2026
Despite these developments, the genetic evidence suggests that ancestral connections persisted at Salango. Separate ancient DNA research in Peru has revealed long-distance migration along the Pacific coast before the rise of the Inca Empire.
Ancient infant reveals tuberculosis before European contact
Researchers also discovered evidence of tuberculosis in an infant buried at the site. The infant’s skeletal remains showed lesions consistent with the disease. Further testing revealed DNA from the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex, a group of bacteria associated with tuberculosis. Scientists reconstructed a genome of the ancient pathogen, providing rare genetic evidence of tuberculosis in the Americas before Europeans arrived. Unlike skeletal damage alone, bacterial DNA offers more direct evidence of an ancient infection.
A separate study of ancient Andean populations also identified tuberculosis DNA, adding to evidence that the disease circulated in South America before European contact.
Findings open new paths for research
The study combines human and bacterial DNA to examine both population history and infectious disease in coastal Ecuador. Although the analysis involved only four individuals, it provides important evidence from a region with limited ancient genetic records.
Other genetic studies across South America have also documented complex patterns of ancestry and population movement over thousands of years. The authors say further research could help trace population movements and the history of infectious diseases along South America’s Pacific coast.
See all the latest news from Greece and the world at Greekreporter.com. Contact our newsroom to report an update or send your story, photos and videos. Follow GR on Google News and subscribe here to our daily email!
