Eyam’s Guardian Gene; C282Y, H63D or Delta 32?

Abstract

The little village of Eyam in England’s Derbyshire Peak District is well known for its devastating epidemic of plague in 1665. Led by the vicar, William Mompesson, and the puritan minister, Thomas Stanley, the villagers altruistically quarantined themselves for fourteen months to prevent the spread of the infection to neighbouring villages. Up to 80% of the population died, raising the question of what enabled the remaining 20% to survive when surrounded by the dead and dying with a very contagious disease. One possibility is a genetic trait. The most common suggestion is the delta32 mutation of the CCR5 chemokine-receptor locus on human chromosome 3, but perhaps the previously unconsidered mutations of haemochromatosis (HC) played a significant role. The significance of both mutations is compared.