Scientists say that bacterial species have rewritten the history of when infectious and potentially fatal diseases first arrived in America. And it was long before European explorers arrived.
Researchers at Institut Pasteur in Paris, France, announced in a news release that with the help of a US university, the second species of bacteria are also responsible. disease It is known as leprosy or leprosy in the Americas.
Last few yearsMany believed that bacteria were known as Mycobacterium Leprae It caused leprosy, which was only spread in America by early European explorers and settlers.
However, the second bacterial revelation places the theory that existing tensions denounce settlers in their heads, as they are already on a continent that calls the new world home.
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Pasteur, a research institute in Paris, announced that it had discovered a second species of bacteria that caused diseases in the Americas. (Netflix/Paramount)
Bacteria Mycobacterium repromatosis Humans existed 1,000 years ago before Europeans arrived, and those infected say.
Dr. Maria Lopopolo, the first author of researchers and researchers at the Institute’s Paleoenomics Institute of Microbial Paleoenomics, said it would change everything about leprosy in America.
“The findings change our understanding of the history of leprosy in America, indicating that a form of disease among Indigenous people was already endemic before Europeans arrived,” she said at her release.
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Scientists at the Institute Pasteur in Paris conducted the study together with the French National Centre for Science and Research and the University of Colorado. (istock)
This study – with the French National Center for Science and Research and the University of Colorado in the US, led by scientists at the Institute of Microbiology and Paleontology at Institute Paleontology at Institute of Institute of Microbiology and Paleontology at the United States – Mycobacterium repromatosis It was discovered in a Mexican patient in 2008, and in 2016 a red squirrel from the British Isles was discovered.
Reconstruct the genome using advanced genetic techniques Mycobacterium repromatosis From ancient individuals in Argentina and Canada, scientists have discovered that two strains from different regions are genetically close. Mycobacterium Genome family tree. This means that bacteria spread rapidly throughout the continent.
The release said the results confirmed it Mycobacterium repromatosis It had already spread to North and South America.
Researchers were able to study over 800 DNA samples from ancient human bodies and recent medical cases showing signs of leprosy. (istock)
According to the release, the researchers worked in collaboration with Indigenous communities, various international organizations and archaeologists, allowing them to study over 800 people. DNA samples From an ancient human body, from a recent medical case showing signs of leprosy.
Nicholas Lascovan, Laboratory PasteurThe study said it proves that it can change the history of humanity.
“We are just beginning to unravel the diversity and global movement of this recently identified pathogen,” he said. “This study allows us to assume that there may be unknown animal reservoirs.”
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that leprosy can affect patients’ nerves, skin and eyes and can be treated with antibiotics. According to the CDC, up to 225 people in the United States and 250,000 people worldwide have contracts for leprosy.
Nick Butler is a reporter for Fox News Digital. Any hints? Please contact nick.butler@fox.com.
