Scientists have finally identified the culprit behind the introduction of syphilis to Europe.

After the military campaign of the French king in 1494, a devastating and mysterious disease swept through Europe, which was contracted by soldiers returning home from Italy. This marks the first recorded outbreak of syphilis, igniting a centuries-long debate among scholars regarding its origins, reports The Guardian.

Some researchers assert that the disease originated in America and was brought to Europe by Columbus in 1493, while others suggest it existed in Europe long before that. However, recent discoveries may put an end to the disputes. Scientists analyzing ancient DNA from skeletons across America have found evidence that predates Columbus's voyages.

Bacterial genomes from the afflicted bones belong to the same family as that of syphilis. This indicates that the sources of the infection lie in America.

Dr. Kirsten Bos, a molecular paleopathologist at the Max Planck Institute, explained: "We reconstructed five genomes from these bones, showing that they are sister lineages to modern strains that circulate today. It appears they originated in America."

Syphilis belongs to a small group of related diseases, including yaws and bejel, caused by strains of the Treponema pallidum bacteria. While syphilis affects populations worldwide, yaws and bejel are predominantly found in tropical regions.

The skeletal remains studied by Bos's team, including bones from Argentina, Chile, Mexico, and a tooth from Peru, provided crucial information. Radiocarbon analysis allowed researchers to trace the bacteria back to a common ancestor dated to 9,000 years ago—a period when people in America were geographically isolated from the rest of the world.

The study supports the theory that syphilis and its related diseases originated in America and spread globally through European colonization and the slave trade. However, the findings do not resolve all questions.

"We are analyzing limited data comprehensively and impartially, but the narrative will continue to evolve," the scientist noted.

This research deepens our understanding of the origins of syphilis and demonstrates how historical events like colonization have influenced the global spread of diseases. The implications of this discovery extend beyond historical debates, providing insight into the complex interplay of biology, migration, and human history.

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