Scientists have used five hair locks belonging to Beethoven to reveal that the renowned composer had a genetic predisposition to liver disease and had also been infected with the hepatitis B virus. The analysis of his DNA has provided valuable new insights into the cause of his fatal liver disease, which had long remained a mystery.
.jpeg)
"Genome of Beethoven Sequenced from Five Hair Locks: Insights into Fatal Liver Disease but Not Hearing Loss"
Genetic Predisposition to Liver Disease and Hepatitis B Virus Infection
Scientists have sequenced the genome of Ludwig van Beethoven, one of history's greatest musical composers, using five locks of his hair nearly two centuries after his death. The analysis revealed that Beethoven was genetically predisposed to liver disease and had a hepatitis B virus infection. An autopsy conducted after his death at age 56 in Vienna determined that he had liver cirrhosis, a disease often caused by chronic drinking. However, the new findings suggest that there were multiple factors behind his liver disease, including genetics, viral infection, and alcohol consumption.
Interaction Effect with Alcohol Consumption
The lead author of the study, Tristan Begg, a Cal anthropologist, stated that "On their own, these risk factors are not of great concern to most people who have them, but there would have been a harmful interaction effect with his alcohol consumption." Prior to this study, alcohol was the only definitely known risk factor for Beethoven's liver disease.
.jpeg)
No Genetic Explanation for Hearing Loss
Beethoven experienced progressive hearing loss starting at age 29, and by 44, it was complete, though he continued to compose masterpieces. However, the study was unable to find a genetic explanation for his hearing loss. Begg stated that there was no evidence found for conditions hypothesized by some experts, such as otosclerosis or Paget's disease.
Value of the Study
A towering figure in the history of Western civilization, Beethoven was a brilliant and innovative composer of symphonies, sonatas, concertos, and other pieces, along with a single opera. Many of his works have become immortal, including his Symphonies No 5, No 6, and No 9, Moonlight Sonata, and Für Elise. The study was valuable to attempt to satisfy Beethoven's own wishes regarding the understanding of his health and to more accurately convey the facts of his biography, which was also of concern to him.
.jpeg)
Authenticity of Hair Locks
The researchers analyzed eight locks of hair from public and private collections in the United States and Europe, determining that five matched and were almost certainly authentic as his. The best-preserved one, called the Stumpff Lock based on the name of a man who once possessed it, was used to sequence his genome.