Scientists from the Universities of Basel and Zurich have made a groundbreaking discovery in Brazil that challenges previous theories regarding the spread of syphilis. By analyzing the genetic traces of the bacterium Treponema pallidum in skeletal remains dating back 2,000 years, the researchers have unearthed evidence of syphilis-like diseases that existed long before Columbus’s arrival in the New World.
This finding, published in the prestigious scientific journal Nature, sheds new light on the emergence and spread of infectious diseases throughout history. The researchers used advanced laboratory methods to detect DNA from pathogens in prehistoric bones, allowing them to trace the historical spread and evolutionary development of these diseases.
Led by Professor Verena Schünemann from the University of Basel, the research group examined the bones of four individuals who died in Brazil’s coastal region of Santa Caterina. Pathological changes in the bones indicated that these individuals may have suffered from diseases similar to syphilis.
Through careful analysis, the researchers identified the presence of the Treponema pallidum endemicum strain, the pathogen responsible for bejel, a form of treponematoses. Treponematoses include various infectious diseases, including syphilis, which can be transmitted sexually. However, bejel is spread through skin contact and is restricted to arid regions of Africa and Asia today.
The discovery challenges the prevailing belief that Columbus and his crew brought syphilis to Europe from the New World. While the findings confirm the presence of endemic syphilis in humid regions of Brazil two millennia ago, they do not provide conclusive evidence of sexually transmitted syphilis in South America. This suggests that treponematoses were already widespread in Europe before Columbus’s time, casting doubt on the Columbus hypothesis.
Horizontal gene transfer, or recombination, played a significant role in the development of syphilis-like diseases. Bacterial species exchange genetic traits that offer evolutionary advantages, and the comparison between prehistoric DNA and modern pathogens reveals evidence of such recombination events. The exact timing of these exchanges remains uncertain, but they likely contributed to the divergence between the subspecies that cause different treponemal infections.
Moreover, the research demonstrates that the emergence of the Treponema pallidum family dates back between 12,000 and 550 BCE, much earlier than previously believed. This highlights the antiquity of these pathogens and their presence among ancient populations.
The implications of these findings are significant in understanding the historical spread of infectious diseases. It challenges long-held assumptions about the origins and transmission of particular diseases and prompts a reevaluation of existing narratives. Furthermore, the identification of ancient pathogens can help researchers learn more about the evolution of diseases and potentially uncover the origin of syphilis.
Looking ahead, the research opens up new avenues for the analysis of prehistoric DNA and the investigation of ancient diseases. Advancements in this field could lead to further discoveries and a deeper understanding of the history and development of infectious diseases. By studying ancient pathogens, scientists can gain insights into how diseases have evolved over time and inform modern medical practices.
In conclusion, the recent breakthrough in Brazil concerning the detection of syphilis-like diseases in ancient bones challenges established theories about the spread of syphilis. The research highlights the importance of studying prehistoric DNA and its role in tracing the historical spread and evolution of diseases. By expanding our knowledge of ancient pathogens, we can gain valuable insights into the emergence and transmission of infectious diseases and potentially inform future medical practices.