Swift Summary
Indian Opinion Analysis
This finding brings attention to the global history of infectious diseases like leprosy-a disease that India continues to combat as part of public health initiatives. Understanding the genetic history and evolution of such pathogens can inform India’s ongoing efforts in disease eradication by providing context for how bacteria adapt over time. As early traces reveal a broader historical footprint for leprosy, this reinforces the importance of multidisciplinary research combining archaeology and genetics to tackle modern medical challenges through a better understanding of past epidemics.