The earliest cases of coronavirus infection were found in France in the 16th century.

Paleoproteomics (analysis of ancient proteins) studies confirmed that two sixteenth-century men had encountered viruses from the coronavirus family, different from SARS-CoV-2 and other known modern coronaviruses. The research involved examining dental pulp and blood serum samples from the remains using paleogeography and paleoproteomics techniques.

What else have scientists discovered?

Researchers from the University of Aix-Marseille found that two samples tested positive for antibodies to alpha-coronavirus HCoV-229E, beta-coronaviruses OC43 and SARS-CoV-2. The analysis confirmed the presence of coronavirus-specific peptides in the biological material of both men.

The scientists noted that the detected cases of coronavirus infection did not say anything about how the virus affected the health of these men. The peptides show that these pathogens are different from all known modern coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2. The infection may have been transmitted to these men from domestic or wild animals they come into contact with, such as domestic pigs, cows or red deer.

What does this study give to science?

Research results show that beta-coronavirus can infect people earlier than known. The serious consequences of the current pandemic have prompted scientists to more carefully examine the evolution of coronaviruses and pay attention to a deeper history. Previously, the earliest evidence of coronavirus infection was found in the remains of soldiers who died in France at the beginning of the First World War.

The discovery of the oldest cases of coronavirus infection in France sheds light on the long history of coronaviruses and their impact on human health. The study highlights the need to further study the evolution of these viruses and understand how they were transmitted from animals to humans.