Fossilized Flea Might Have Been An Ancient Harbinger Of Bubonic Plague
- 9 years ago
Recently published research suggests that a 20 million year old flea carried an ancient strain of bacteria quite similar to what caused the bubonic plague.
Researchers may have found an ancient bacterial strain of the Black Death—or bubonic plague—that predates humanity.
Analysis of an amber-coated flea appears to show the insect with bacteria attached to its feeding tube and compacted in its rectum.
Scientists say it's impossible to know for sure if these ancient bacteria have a direct relationship to the type that killed thousands during medieval times, but note that the two bear striking similarities.
Furthermore, out of all the deadly bacterial forms currently carried by fleas, only the plague bacteria has the same shape as those found in and on the fossilized specimen.
Researchers may have found an ancient bacterial strain of the Black Death—or bubonic plague—that predates humanity.
Analysis of an amber-coated flea appears to show the insect with bacteria attached to its feeding tube and compacted in its rectum.
Scientists say it's impossible to know for sure if these ancient bacteria have a direct relationship to the type that killed thousands during medieval times, but note that the two bear striking similarities.
Furthermore, out of all the deadly bacterial forms currently carried by fleas, only the plague bacteria has the same shape as those found in and on the fossilized specimen.