Roman Empire "raised HIV threat"

[docoflove1974]

From BBC News:

 

The spread of the Roman Empire through Europe could help explain why those living in its former colonies are more vulnerable to HIV.

 

The claim, by French researchers, is that people once ruled by Rome are less likely to have a gene variant which protects against HIV.

 

This includes England, France, Greece and Spain, New Scientist reports.

 

Others argue the difference is linked to a far larger event, such as the spread of bubonic plague or smallpox.

 

 

 

The idea that something carried by the occupying Romans could have a widespread influence on the genes of modern Europeans comes from researchers at the University of Provence.

 

 

...

Edited September 4, 2008 by docoflove1974