Was it a simple coincidence that when Columbus returned from the New World, the first epidemic of syphilis appeared in Europe? Scientists disagree, after conducting a genetic study on the origin of the sexually transmitted disease. The sexually transmitted disease is produced by a bacterium, Treponema pallidum, that was commonly found among the South American populations in a nonvenereal form, but suffered mutations upon being carried back to Europe by the team of explorers.

The name syphilis was given by an Italian poet, but it was also known as “The French Disease” after the first syphilis epidemics broke out in 1495 among the French troops, two years after Columbus’ return to Europe. The particular form of syphilis that became sexually transmitted is different from the one found in children from Guyana, South America, which affects primarily parts of the leg, but in no case the genitals.

Critics to the theory published in the journal Public Library of Science argue however that the study is far from being conclusive, as there is still a high possibility that syphilis appeared in Europe in a spontaneous manner, from a bacteria already existent in Europe. But the scientists who conducted the study say the genetics studies have shown tremendous similarities between the strains that cause syphilis and the strains in South America, which clearly indicates a high probability of connection between them.

 On the other hand, upon carefully looking at the research study, opponents claim that some of the discoveries they made come to break the theory, and took as an example the multiple DNA mutations of the bacteria, whose rate of occurrence is considered rather strange if we consider the fact that the bacteria is known to suffer little genetic changes.

The findings may not have a 100 percent support from scientists and may not be based on unbeatable arguments, but it still raises some question marks on the possible origins of a disease that appears to have increased in number on all continents. The World Health Organization estimated in 2001 that around 12 million people get infected with syphilis every year.