Sao Paulo, Brazil – Scientists from the Universities of Basel and Zurich have unearthed groundbreaking evidence of ancient syphilis in Brazil dating back nearly 2,000 years. Through genetic analysis of skeletal remains, researchers detected traces of the bacterium Treponema pallidum, debunking the previous belief that Columbus introduced syphilis to Europe. This discovery challenges existing theories about the spread of syphilis by Spanish conquistadors and provides unprecedented insight into the global prevalence of syphilis-like diseases long before the 15th century.
Published in the prestigious scientific journal Nature, the study sheds light on the history of infectious diseases and highlights the advancements in modern laboratory techniques that enable researchers to uncover ancient pathogens. Led by Professor Verena Schünemann from the University of Basel, the international research team examined prehistoric bones from individuals who lived along the coastal region of Santa Catarina in Brazil. Pathological changes in the bones suggested that these ancient people may have suffered from an illness resembling syphilis.
Using specialized tools, researchers extracted ancient DNA from the bones, identifying the presence of Treponema pallidum endemicum – the strain responsible for bejel. This finding supports the notion that treponematoses, a group of infectious diseases including syphilis, were already prevalent in Brazil’s humid regions 2,000 years ago. The study also indicates that treponematoses may have been widespread in Europe prior to Columbus’s arrival in the New World.
While debates continue among specialists about the origins of sexually transmitted syphilis, the research team emphasizes that the discovery of endemic treponemal diseases in South America challenges the narrative that syphilis was brought to Europe by Columbus. Through DNA comparisons, researchers revealed recombination events between ancient and modern pathogens, offering insights into the development of syphilis-like diseases and the emergence of the Treponema pallidum family between 12,000 and 550 BCE.
The study not only expands our understanding of the historical spread of infectious diseases but also highlights the potential for further discoveries through the analysis of prehistoric DNA. With ongoing research into the origins of syphilis, scientists are hopeful that new insights will continue to reshape our knowledge of ancient diseases and their impact on global health.