IgE Anti‐Beta Coronaviruses Serology in Napoleon Soldiers, France

TL;DR

This study found evidence of beta-coronavirus exposure in 19th-century French soldiers using dental pulp samples.

Contribution

The study introduces dental pulp paleoserology as a method to detect historical coronavirus exposure.

Findings

Anti-beta Coronavirus IgE was detected in three individuals from 19th-century France.

Dental pulp serology results aligned with prior dental calculus paleoserology findings.

The study suggests some individuals in the early 19th century were exposed to an unidentified beta-coronavirus.

Abstract

To compare the repertoire of anti‐beta‐Coronavirus antibodies detected in dental pulp samples (systemic immunity) collected from individuals from the early 19th century previously investigated for dental calculus (local immunity) serological response, We investigated 10 dental pulp samples collected from 10 individuals excavated from a 1810–1813 military site in Charleville‐Mézières, France. The samples had previously been investigated for dental calculus serology. Dental pulp serology performed under a mini‐blot format, incorporated one positive and one negative control, and conjugated antibodies against the five classes of immunoglobulins. Dental pulp IgE serological response reliability was assessed by in silico analyses. Controls yielded expected results. Anti‐Coronavirus antibodies were detected in three individuals, comprising anti‐beta Coronavirus IgE in three individuals, IgG in two individuals, and IgA in one individual. IgA and IgG anti‐alpha Coronavirus were each detected in one individual. These results agreed with those previously obtained from the same 10 individuals with anti‐beta‐Coronavirus pooled IgG/IgA/IgM dental calculus paleoserology. Dental pulp paleoserology confirmed Coronavirus exposure in three individuals from the start of the 19th century in France. Translating these data into the modern medical literature, we propose that two centuries ago, some individuals suffered a yet unidentified beta‐Coronavirus infection.

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