13th-century leprosy in England may have spread between humans and red squirrels, according to a University of Basel study.

Medieval leprosy outbreak in England may have spread between humans and red squirrels, according to a study from the University of Basel. Researchers analysed archaeological remains from Winchester, identifying red squirrels as the first ancient animal host of Mycobacterium leprae, the bacteria that causes leprosy. The medieval red squirrel strain the scientists discovered was more closely related to medieval human strains from the same city than to strains in modern red squirrels. The study highlights the importance of involving animal remains in the study of long-term zoonotic potential of diseases like leprosy.

May 03, 2024
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