Leprosy passed between medieval squirrels and humans, study suggests

Genetic analysis of Winchester samples shows similar strains of disease and supports theory that fur trade played role in spreadLeprosy passed between humans and red squirrels in medieval England, research suggests, supporting the theory that the fur trade could have played a role in the spread of the disease.Leprosy is one of the oldest infectious diseases recorded in humans and is typically caused by the bacteriumMycobacterium leprae.Continue reading...
Source: Guardian Unlimited Science - Category: Science Authors: Tags: Animals Medical research Archaeology Health Microbiology Leicester Wildlife Science UK news Genetics Source Type: news