title: Which theory for the origin of syphilis is true?
abstract: BACKGROUND
  There are four theories about the origin of syphilis, of which the mostly represented one is the Columbian theory. This theory suggests that syphilis was brought into Europe in 1493 ad by the ship from Caribbean islands.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study is to test all theories on a sample of 403 skeletons: 135 from prehistory, 134 from antique, and 134 from medieval period and new age from the Dalmatia (Croatia).
  
  
  METHODS
  All skeletons were examined using standard anthropological methods. Paleopathological analysis was performed on each skeleton as well as additional radiographic method on one isolated skeleton.
  
  
  METHODS
  Paleopathological changes on skeletal remains connected with treponematosis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Paleopathological analysis revealed one skeleton from the antique period (second to 6th century A.D.) that exhibited skeletal markers similar to those described in one clinical case in which congenital syphilis was confirmed by a Wasserman reaction. Skeletal remains of this person were examined macroscopically and radiographically, and the differential diagnostics eliminated other considered pathologies as well as trauma.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The finding of skeletal markers of syphilis on a skeleton from the antique supports the theory of pre-Columbian syphilis origin.
authors.affiliation: University Department for Forensic Sciences, University of Split, Split, Croatia.
authors.forename: Ivana
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Anteric
authors.forename: Zeljana
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Basic
authors.forename: Katarina
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Vilovic
authors.forename: Kresimir
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Kolic
authors.forename: Simun
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Andjelinovic
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002675:Child, Preschool; D017523:Croatia; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D049668:History, 15th Century; D049669:History, 16th Century; D049690:History, Ancient; D049691:History, Medieval; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010164:Paleopathology; D013587:Syphilis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000266:history*
keywords: Dalmatia (Croatia); Paleopathology; Pre-Columbian Theory; Syphilis; Treponematosis