DNA Identifies 2 Bacterial Killers That Stalked Napoleon’s Army

In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists have identified the genetic material of two bacterial killers that haunted Napoleon's army during their ill-fated retreat from Russia. The findings, obtained from 13 teeth found in a mass grave in Lithuania, provide a unique glimpse into the health woes that plagued the French emperor's troops as they struggled to survive the harsh Russian winter.The teeth, which were discovered in a grave in Vilnius, Lithuania, are believed to have belonged to soldiers who were part of Napoleon's Grande Armée, which invaded Russia in 1812. The army's disastrous retreat from Russia has been well-documented, with estimates suggesting that over 90% of the soldiers died during the campaign, largely due to disease and exposure.Using advanced DNA analysis, researchers were able to extract genetic material from the teeth, which revealed the presence of two particularly virulent bacteria: Salmonella and Yersinia pestis. The former is the causative agent of typhoid fever, while the latter is responsible for the plague, a highly infectious and often deadly disease.According to the researchers, the presence of these bacteria in the teeth suggests that the soldiers were likely suffering from a combination of diseases, which would have weakened their immune systems and made them more susceptible to other infections. The findings also highlight the significant impact that disease had on the outcome of the campaign, with many soldiers succumbing to illnesses rather than battle wounds.The study's lead author noted that the discovery provides a unique window into the health of soldiers during this period in history, and sheds new light on the significant role that disease played in shaping the course of military campaigns. The findings have significant implications for our understanding of the history of medicine, and highlight the importance of considering the impact of disease on military outcomes.The research team's innovative approach to analyzing the teeth has opened up new avenues for studying the health of historical populations, and has provided a fascinating glimpse into the lives of soldiers who fought and died during one of the most significant conflicts in European history.