A new article has been published in the Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases which discusses how archaeological evidence of rare diseases can inform current medical research.
The Digital Atlas of Ancient Rare Diseases (DAARD) is an open access database and web-based mapping tool which contains evidence of rare diseases found in skeletons and mummies around the world throughout all time periods. Its records can be searched by diagnosis, preservation level of remains, research methodology, place of curation and publications.
In addition to providing a broader long-term understanding of various rare diseases, DAARD can help support current medical research by increasing the amount of available genomic and phenotypic data. Through recent advances such as next-generation sequencing, the remains of individuals who were affected by a rare disease can contribute to knowledge on monogenic conditions, genetic risk factors and variant distribution.
The authors also discuss the social benefit of DAARD for people living with a rare disease. By gaining a historical perspective of their disease, individuals may be able to contextualise their condition, build identity, and understand that the challenges they are facing have been faced by others throughout history.
Overall, DAARD is a uniquely valuable resource which contributes to existing knowledge on the natural history and genetics of rare diseases, and which may provide support to individuals living with a rare disease.