The role of louse-transmitted diseases in historical plague pandemics

The rodent-murine ectoparasite-human model of plague transmission does not correspond with historical details around pandemics in Europe. New analysis ancient genomes reveal that Yersinia pestis was unable to be transmitted by rat fleas until 4000 Before Present, which challenges the and In this Review, we summarise data regarding Y human lice context genomic evolution co-transmission other major epidemic deadly pathogens throughout history, aim broadening our view transmission. Experimental models support efficiency as vectors through infected faeces, suggest could a louse-borne disease, similar Borrelia recurrentis, Rickettsia prowazekii, Bartonella quintana. Studies have shown outbreaks often involve multiple pathogens, several cases B quintana been reported. Furthermore, an exclusive bacterium, namely found circulating northern Europe during second pandemic (14th–18th century). Current make it possible attribute large bacteria, suggests probably played preponderant role interhuman pathogen previous epidemics, including pandemics.