A probable case of congenital syphilis from pre-Columbian Austria.
This study examines the skeletal remains of a subadult from an archeological site in Austria. Radiocarbon dating and archeological attribution indicate that this individual is of pre-Columbian origin. Most of the skeleton was recovered, and only the teeth and the orbital roofs show changes. Dental defects such as the mulberry molar and a tapered, fang-like canine suggest a diagnosis of congenital syphilis. This is the first probable case of congenital syphilis from pre-Columbian Central Europe. Our findings contribute to the pre-Columbian theory, offering counter evidence to the assumption that syphilis was carried from Columbus' crew from the New to the Old World.
Bone and Biomaterials Research, Center of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.|Department of Anthropology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
Johanna Sophia
JS
Gaul
Bone and Biomaterials Research, Center of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
Karl
K
Grossschmidt
Upper Austria University of Applied Sciences, Wels Campus, Wels, Austria.
Christian
C
Gusenbauer
Department of Forensic Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
Fabian
F
Kanz
D000885:Anthropology, Physical; D001317:Austria; D055699:Cemeteries; D002648:Child; D003744:Dental Enamel Hypoplasia; D049691:History, Medieval; D006801:Humans; D012886:Skull / Q000473:pathology; D013590:Syphilis, Congenital / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000266:history / Q000473:pathology; D014070:Tooth / Q000473:pathology