An international team of scientists has deciphered the DNA of German composer Ludwig van Beethoven for the first time. The analysis of the genome obtained during the study of the hair made it possible to know the predispositions of the composer to a certain number of diseases, and to formulate hypotheses on the causes of his premature death, indicates the study. published in the journal Current Biology.
Throughout his life, Beethoven had several serious health problems. At 28 he began to develop deafness, and by 48 he had almost completely lost his hearing. The cause of these illnesses, as well as the immediate cause of the composer’s death, remained a matter of controversy for biographers for two centuries.
To shed light on these questions decided a group of scientists led by Tristan Begg from the University of Cambridge, who for the first time managed to completely decipher the DNA of the composer. This was aided by the analysis of five locks of Beethoven’s hair, preserved to this day by various collectors.
Genome sequencing revealed several serious genetic predisposing factors for liver disease, a problem the musician suffered from amid frequent alcohol consumption. In addition, it turned out that at the end of his life he was infected with the hepatitis B virus.
“Despite the claims of most of his contemporaries that he drank alcohol in moderation by the standards of 19th century Vienna, there was no agreement between them, and most likely that amount, which is now considered harmful to the liver. If this amount of alcohol was elevated over time, along with her genetic risk factors, that represents a possible explanation for her cirrhosis,” Begg said. Meanwhile, scientists have not been able to accurately determine the cause of death of the composer, who died at the age of 56.
“We can’t say for sure what killed Beethoven, but we can at least confirm that he had a serious hereditary risk of illness and hepatitis B infection. We can also rule out several possible genetic causes,” said Johannes Krause, co-author of the book. “Given his known history of disease, it is highly likely that a combination of these three factors, including alcohol consumption, acting together is the cause, but future research may be able to determine the cause. role of each factor,” Begg said.
