Ancient DNA Reveals Typhoid and Relapsing Fever in Napoleon’s Troops
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Pathogens of Napoleon’s Retreat: Ancient DNA Reveals Diseases That Ravaged the Grande Armée
The Past Context: Napoleon’s Disastrous 1812 campaign
Napoleon’s 1812 invasion of Russia, known as the Patriotic War of 1812, was a turning point in the Napoleonic Wars. What began as a massive military campaign with over 400,000 soldiers of the Grande Armée ultimately ended in a catastrophic retreat. The harsh Russian winter, coupled with logistical failures and scorched-earth tactics employed by the Russian army, decimated Napoleon’s forces. However, disease played a significant, and often underestimated, role in the army’s downfall. Historical accounts detail widespread illness among the retreating soldiers, but the specific pathogens responsible remained largely unknown - until now.
unearthing the past: Analyzing DNA from Napoleonic Soldiers
Researchers from the Institut Pasteur, in collaboration with Aix Marseille University, have successfully identified the genetic signatures of two pathogens in the remains of soldiers who perished during the retreat. The team analyzed DNA extracted from the teeth of 13 soldiers exhumed in Vilnius, Lithuania in 2002. This location proved crucial, as Vilnius served as a key point of passage and a site where many wounded and ill soldiers were left behind. Using next-generation sequencing techniques on ancient DNA, they were able to pinpoint the infectious agents that likely contributed to the soldiers’ suffering.
The Culprits Identified: Paratyphoid Fever and relapsing Fever
The analysis revealed the presence of two distinct pathogens: Salmonella enterica subsp.enterica (serovar Paratyphi C), the cause of paratyphoid fever, and Borrelia recurrentis, responsible for relapsing fever. Paratyphoid fever is a bacterial infection characterized by sustained high fever, abdominal pain, and weakness. Relapsing fever, transmitted by lice, causes recurring episodes of fever interspersed with periods of remission. The co-occurrence of these two diseases woudl have been particularly devastating.
Both diseases share overlapping symptoms – high fever, fatigue, and gastrointestinal distress – which could have compounded the soldiers’ weakened state. Combined with the already brutal conditions of cold, starvation, and poor sanitation, these infections likely significantly increased mortality rates. The study highlights how infectious diseases can act as a “force multiplier” in warfare,exacerbating the impact of other stressors.
Prevalence of Pathogens in the Soldier Sample
| Pathogen | Number of Soldiers Positive | Total Soldiers Analyzed |
|---|---|---|
| salmonella enterica subsp. enterica (Paratyphi C) |