Ancient Romans caused this terrible disease to spread and spread across the continent

This terrible disease spread through an unexpected road, the ancient Roman empire was the main cause.

One of the most terrible diseases in human history, reaching the top 10 most deadly diseases , is tuberculosis . Although it has been a long time since the " tragedy " , but at least millions of people each year have to die because of this disease.

And even according to a 2015 study, up to a quarter of the world's population - about 1.7 billion people - are still carrying tuberculosis. Of course, not every infection is a disease, but this also means that at a certain time, the TB bacteria will break out and attack us.

One of the most terrible diseases in human history is tuberculosis.

But where is the origin of this disease? And why are they spread? This question has long been a headache for scientists, but then we have the answer.

A recent study has followed the genetic markers of tuberculosis (Mycobacterium tuberculosis). As a result, the disease originated in Africa, but the source of the spread came from ancient Roman empires.

Experts from the University of Wisconsin-Madison (USA) have concluded that the Romans at the most powerful moment unknowingly created a pathway that spreads TB bacteria across the continent.

At the present time, there are 7 major strains of tuberculosis identified worldwide. All originated from tens of thousands of years ago in Africa. And after using DNA tracking methods, the team identified the time when the bacteria began to spread throughout the continent, and reached the other continents.

The outbreak of outbreaks coincided with the golden age of the Roman Empire.

"We want to apply these genetic facts to actual historical circumstances," said study author Caitlin Pepperell.

Accordingly, the time of 4000-6000 years ago, the strains of tuberculosis are still not diverse. They also do not spread too wide. But then in the 1st century AD, things began to change.

"This is the time to coincide with the Roman Empire showing off its power. They are constantly moving to explore the Mediterranean regions," Pepperell said.

"Thanks to that, they created a path for the bacteria to spread."

The shared baths of ancient Romans also contributed to the epidemic spreading faster

Roman expeditions have created conditions for uninfected people to also be exposed to tuberculosis. And the problem is that this contact is not necessarily between people.

According to Pepperell, Roman war machines (catapults, catapults .) can carry pathogens. In addition, traditional bathing in public baths also contributes to the spread of tuberculosis faster.

Why is this study important?

As stated, tuberculosis is no longer an incurable disease, but it is still very dangerous. Moreover, the emergence of more resistant bacteria can cause pulmonary tuberculosis to become an extremely serious disease again.

To predict how the disease will spread in the future, we need to understand how the disease appears. That's why Pepperell came up with this study.

And this is not the only study. Experts need to work harder, to offer the best options to prevent this disease in the future.