DNA analysis reveals likely pathogens that killed Napoleon’s army

Ars TechnicaCenterEN 4 min read 100% complete by Jennifer Ouellette October 24, 2025 at 05:24 PM

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In a new study published in Current Biology, DNA analysis of remains from Napoleon Bonaparte's 1812 Russian campaign has identified two pathogens that likely contributed to the high mortality rate among his troops: Salmonella enterica, which causes paratyphoid fever, and Borrelia recurrentis, responsible for relapsing fever. The research provides insights into historical infectious diseases and their evolution over time. Previous studies had suggested typhus as a significant cause of death but relied on older PCR technologies. This new study employs advanced DNA analysis techniques to offer more conclusive evidence about the pathogens that affected Napoleon's army during this disastrous campaign.

Key Topics & Entities

Russia ×230% Nicolás Rascovan 50% Institut Pasteur 50% Salmonella enterica ×280% Borrelia recurrentis 80% Napoleon Bonaparte ×5100%

Keywords

dna analysis 90% napoleon's army 80% salmonella enterica 70% borrelia recurrentis 70% paratyphoid fever 60% relapsing fever 60% infectious diseases 50% russian campaign 50% genomic data 40% mass grave 40%

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Russia

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dna analysis napoleon's army salmonella enterica borrelia recurrentis paratyphoid fever relapsing fever infectious diseases russian campaign genomic data mass grave

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