The Origin and Spread of Leprosy: Historical, Skeletal, and Molecular Data

Abstract

East Africa and India have recently been proposed as places of origin for leprosy, based primarily on the geographical mapping of sixteen single-nucleotide polymorphism subtypes (snps). When comparing these data with historical texts, however, obstacles become apparent for both interpretations. Large population movements, a lack of divergence date ranges for some snp subtypes, and the discovery of a second strain of leprosy further complicate the geography of the disease. Dated skeletons with snp subtypes and molecular data, along with the informed collaboration of historical evidence, are key to determining the place of origin for both leprosy species.