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Medieval Winchester Residents May Have Contracted Leprosy from Red Squirrels
Recent research conducted by a group of archaeologists and geneticists suggests that residents of medieval Winchester, England, may have acquired leprosy from red squirrels in the area. Leprosy, also known as Hansen’s disease, is a highly contagious illness that can lead to nerve damage, paralysis, and blindness if left untreated.
The study, published in Current Biology, involved the analysis of 25 human samples and 12 squirrel samples from two archaeological sites in Winchester. By reconstructing four medieval genomes of the bacteria Mycobacterium leprae, researchers found a close genetic relationship between strains found in squirrels and those present in humans from the same city.
Historical Context
Winchester, located in Hampshire, was established as the capital of Wessex in 871 during the reign of King Alfred the Great. One of the sites investigated by the research team was St Mary Magdalen’s leprosarium, a hospital dedicated to treating leprosy patients during medieval times.
Lead author of the study, Verena Schuenemann from the University of Basel in Switzerland, highlighted the significance of identifying red squirrels as ancient hosts of leprosy. The genetic analysis revealed that the medieval strain of leprosy found in squirrels was more closely related to strains in medieval human residents of Winchester than to modern strains in red squirrels.
Interactions Between Species
While the exact transmission route between squirrels and humans remains uncertain, the similarities in bacterial strains suggest a potential cross-species infection. The presence of leprosy in both red squirrels and humans in the same city and time period indicates a possible interaction between the two species.
In medieval England, squirrels were commonly kept as pets, and their fur was widely used in garments across Europe. This trade likely contributed to the spread of leprosy, as evidenced by the high number of squirrel skin imports reported in historical records.
Implications for Modern Understanding
The findings from this research shed light on the historical transmission of zoonotic diseases and prompt a reevaluation of the role of animal hosts in disease persistence today. With recent instances of leprosy in wild armadillos and red squirrels, the study underscores the importance of considering animal reservoirs in disease epidemiology.
By delving into centuries-old cases of disease transmission, scientists gain valuable insights into the mechanisms of zoonotic disease spread, which can inform strategies for managing current and emerging health threats. The study serves as a reminder of the interconnected nature of human and animal health and the need to understand historical contexts to address modern health challenges effectively.
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