Archive · 25 Oct 2025
DNA Analysis Uncovers Bacterial Infections in Napoleon's Army
Scientists examined teeth from soldiers in Napoleon's army, who were buried in a mass grave.
They found traces of bacteria.
The study revealed two bacterial infections: relapsing fever, spread by lice, and paratyphoid fever, spread through food or water.
These infections contributed to the soldiers' deaths, along with starvation and harsh conditions.
The soldiers were already weakened when they got sick.
Researchers studied teeth from soldiers who died during Napoleon's Russian campaign.
They found DNA evidence of relapsing fever and paratyphoid fever bacteria.
Relapsing fever is carried by lice, causing fever and other symptoms.
Paratyphoid fever is spread through contaminated food or water.
The findings add to the understanding of the diseases that afflicted the troops.
- Who
- French researchers
- What
- Identified two bacterial infections in Napoleon's army
- When
- 1812 (during Napoleon's Russian campaign)
- Where
- Vilnius, Lithuania
- Why
- To understand the causes of death among Napoleon's troops.
- Focus
- Bacterial infections in Napoleon's army
- Location of study
- Vilnius, Lithuania
- Samples Used
- 13 teeth from mass grave
- Bacteria Found
- Relapsing fever and paratyphoid fever
- Lead Author
- Nicolas Rascovan