alternatehistory.com

I am well aware of my limited knowledge in the realm of biology and am prepared to be corrected in this matter.

While there is much debate as to whether syphilis orignated in the New World or was already present in the Old, it does seem that a new, more hostile mutation of the bacterium responsible came back via Columbus' crew as seems to be indicated by the 1494 Milan outbreak.

But suppose during the voyage home, a mutation occurred within a few bacterium which created an airborne strain of syphilis.

One: Is such a mutation a possibility?

Two: What happens when this new strain arrives in Europe?
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