Archaeology of Disappeared Pathogens

Archaeology of Disappeared Pathogens (ArchPath) reconstructs the interwoven biological and social histories of enteric fever (typhoid and paratyphoid B) endemism and eradication in post-war France. Drawing on the extensive phage-typing records of Institut Pasteur’s Enteric Bacterial Pathogens Laboratory (EBPL - Prof François-Xavier Weill), the project combines cutting-edge historical, digital humanities, microbiological, and epidemiological analysis to map evolving typhoid and paratyphoid incidence and diversity in light of post-war population shifts, concerted eradication efforts, and rising antimicrobial usage.

ArchPath has five lines of inquiry:

1. Where were persistent endemic hotspots of enteric disease transmission located?

2. Were endemic hotspots associated with distinct historical phage-types?

3. What are the socio-economic factors associated with endemicity and type incidence?

4. How were overall typhoid and paratyphoid B incidence and type diversity impacted by eradication campaigns, new technologies (e.g. vaccines, antimicrobials), and socio-historical disruptions (e.g. mass migration)?

5. How comprehensive was French public health surveillance?

ArchPath is part of the Université Paris Cité’s Cross-Cutting Edges Programme financed by "Investissement d'Avenir" launched by the French Government and implemented by ANR "ANR‐21‐EXES-0002, FIRE-UP"