Treponematosis in a pre-Columbian hunter-gatherer male from Antofagasta (1830 ± 20 BP, Northern Coast of Chile).

OBJECTIVE: This paper reports a new case of treponemal disease in a pre-Columbian hunter-gatherer inhabiting the desert coast of South America. MATERIALS: A well-preserved adult male skeleton from the "Vertedero Municipal" archaeological cemetery, located near the city of Antofagasta (Northern Chile). METHODS: The skeleton was radiocarbon dated, and isotopic analyses were performed to assess diet and mobility. Lytic and proliferative lesions identified were evaluated macroscopically and radiologically. RESULTS: A radiocarbon date of 1830 ± 20 BP and isotopic values indicating a marine diet and coastal residence were obtained. The cranium shows reactive changes as focal superficial cavitation, radial scarring and nodular cavitation, while the ribs, sternum, clavicles, and scapulae exhibit multiple lytic and proliferative lesions. The right femur has a node while both tibiae show mild anterior cortical thickening with a narrowed medullary cavity. CONCLUSIONS: Cranial lesions are pathognomonic for treponemal disease while postcranial changes are typical, and highly consistent with this pathology. SIGNIFICANCE: The type, morphology, and pattern of lesions make this case a good candidate for venereal syphilis. The case is relevant to the origin of venereal syphilis due to the lifestyle, temporal and ecological context of the individual. LIMITATIONS: Diagnosis of venereal syphilis is based on skeletal lesions; thus, it must be confirmed by molecular analysis. SUGGESTIONS FOR FURTHER RESEARCH: A comprehensive review of cases of pre-Columbian treponemal disease in South America as well as molecular studies are needed to confirm the presence of venereal syphilis in the New World before European contact.

Evidence of skeletal treponematosis from the medieval burial ground of St. Mary Spital, London, and implications for the origins of the disease in Europe.

Treponematosis is a syndrome of chronic infectious diseases. There has been much debate on its origins and spread, particularly with regard to venereal syphilis, an unsightly and debilitating disease in preantibiotic populations. The osteological analysis of 5,387 individuals excavated by Museum of London Archaeology from the medieval burial ground of St. Mary Spital in London (dated c 1120-1539) provided an unprecedented opportunity to investigate the nature and prevalence of disease over a period of time. Twenty-five individuals were found with suspected treponematosis, originating from all but the earliest period of the burial ground. Descriptions of affected individuals from each period, together with supporting images, are provided. In this work, particular emphasis was given to the distribution of lesions on the skeleton and the variation in patterns by sex and over time. Little change was observed in the distribution of bony change between individuals dated to pre- and post-Columbian periods. However, a dramatic rise in the prevalence of the disease in the final period (c 1400-1539) may reflect documentary reports of a European epidemic from the late 15th century.

Osteological and molecular identification of Brucellosis in ancient Butrint, Albania.

Ancient skeletal remains can harbor unique information about past civilizations at both the morphological and molecular levels. For instance, a number of diseases manifest in bone, some of which have been confirmed through DNA analysis, verifying their presence in ancient populations. In this study, anthropological analysis of skeletal remains from the ancient Albanian city of Butrint identified individuals with severe circular lytic lesions on their thoracic and lumbar vertebrae. Differential diagnosis suggested that the lesions resulted from pathologies known to affect these skeletal regions, such as tuberculosis (TB) or brucellosis. Relevant bones of two adolescent males from the 10th to 13th century AD that displayed the lesions, along with unaffected individuals, were collected in the field. Genetic screening of the skeletal samples for TB was repeatedly negative, thus additional testing for Brucella spp.-bacteria of livestock and the causative agent of brucellosis in humans-was conducted. Two Brucella DNA markers, the IS6501 insertion element and Bcsp31 gene, amplified from the affected vertebrae and/or ribs, whereas all unaffected individuals and control samples were negative. Subsequent DNA sequencing confirmed the presence of the brucellar IS6501 insertion element. On the basis of the skeletal lesions, negative tests for TB, and positive Brucella findings, we report a confirmed occurrence of brucellosis in archaeologically recovered human bone. These findings suggest that brucellosis has been endemic to the area since at least the Middle Ages.

Health status among prehistoric Eskimos from Point Hope, Alaska.

Using the protocol outlined in The Backbone of History: Health and Nutrition in the Western Hemisphere (BBH) (Steckel and Rose. 2002a. The backbone of history: health and nutrition in the Western Hemisphere. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press), this project compares the Mark I Health Index (MIHI) scores of the Ipiutak (n = 76; 100BCE-500CE) and Tigara (n = 298; 1200-1700CE), two samples of North American Arctic Eskimos excavated from Point Hope, Alaska. Macroscopic examination of skeletal remains for evidence of anemia, linear enamel hypoplasias (LEH), infection, trauma, dental health, and degenerative joint disease (DJD) was conducted to assess differences in health status resulting from a major economic shift at Point Hope. These data demonstrate that despite differences in settlement pattern, economic system, and dietary composition, the MIHI scores for the Ipiutak (82.1) and Tigara (84.6) are essentially equal. However, their component scores differ considerably. The Ipiutak component scores are suggestive of increased prevalence of chronic metabolic and biomechanical stresses, represented by high prevalence of nonspecific infection and high frequencies of DJD in the hip/knee, thoracic vertebrae, and wrists. The Tigara experienced more acute stress, evidenced by higher prevalence of LEH and trauma. Comparison of overall health index scores with those published in BBH shows the MIHI score for the Ipiutak and Tigara falling just above the average for sites in the Western Hemisphere, adding support to the argument that the human capacity for cultural amelioration of environmental hardships is quite significant.

Investigating the specificity of periosteal reactions in pathology museum specimens.

The relationship between periosteal new bone formation and a number of infectious and metabolic conditions frequently seen in archeological human skeletal remains was investigated by studying human long bones demonstrating periosteal new bone formation archived in two London, UK, pathology museums: the St. George's Hospital Pathology Museum and the Hunterian Museum. The samples were subjected to macroscopic and radiographic analysis to determine if the characteristics of their periosteal lesions were specific to the corresponding disease states. The results demonstrated that no qualitative or quantitative characteristics of the periosteal reactions emerged that were specific to individual disease states. It was established that disease progression, rather than disease type, was the most important determinant of periosteal lesion appearance. A critical analysis of the bioarcheology literature pertaining to the recording and interpretation of periosteal reactions determined that the varied pathogenesis of periosteal new bone formation has been largely ignored in favor of a diagnosis of "nonspecific infection." Assumptions regarding the infectious etiology of periosteal lesions have become embedded into the bioarcheology literature potentially skewing the results of skeletal population-based paleoepidemiological studies.

[The former knackers yard in Zurich-Albisrieden: pathological findings in excavated animal bones]. / Wasenplatz am Letzigraben in Zürich-Albisrieden: pathologische Befunde am Tierknochenfundgut.

During archaeological excavations in the former knackers yard in Zurich-Albisrieden bones and joints of 8 horses and 1 mule were found and examinedfor pathological lesions. Degenerative changes (arthropathies, spondylosis and spondylarthrosis) as well as tooth irregularities were most often seen. One horse had a discospondylitis and spondylitis of C7 and Th1.

[Findings of the syphilis lesions in the skulls from the "Broumov Ossuary"]. / Nálezy syfilis na lebkách z "Broumovské kostnice".

Syphilis is a treponematosis clinically characterized by a primary lesion, a secondary rash affecting the skin and the mucous membranes and late lesions affecting cardiovascular and central nervous systems, viscera and bones. Off all the skeletal lesions, the most characteristic are those of the skull, most commonly affecting frontal and parietal bones and nasal and palatal region. The collection of 647 adult skulls of both sexes and 98 child and adolescent skulls from the "Broumov Ossuary" (13th - 18th century) was examined for the presence of the bone syphilis lesions. Seven cases of the gummatous lesions were observed among adult skulls. In the child skulls, three suspect findings of the congenital syphilis were diagnosed.