New Study Reveals Ancient Origins of Syphilis, Challenging Previous Theories
The history of syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection that wreaked havoc on 15th century Europe and continues to be a prevalent disease today, has long been shrouded in mystery and subject to debate. However, a groundbreaking new study published in the journal Nature has shed light on the ancient origins of syphilis, challenging previous theories and providing valuable insights into the genetic roots of the disease.
The prevailing theory for many years was that syphilis originated in the Americas and was brought to Europe by Christopher Columbus and his expeditions. However, the new study suggests that the true story is far more complex. Researchers used paleopathology techniques to analyze 2,000-year-old bones unearthed in Brazil, successfully recovering the earliest known genomic evidence of Treponema pallidum, the bacterium that causes syphilis. This evidence predates the first trans-Atlantic contacts, debunking the theory that syphilis was brought to Europe from the Americas.
“This study is incredibly exciting because it is the first truly ancient treponemal DNA that has been recovered from archaeological human remains that are more than a few hundred years old,” said Brenda J. Baker, a professor of anthropology at Arizona State University.
Syphilis is a complex disease caused by a complex bacterium. Without treatment, it can cause physical disfigurement, blindness, and mental impairment. The disease has long carried a stigma, leading different populations to blame outbreaks on neighboring groups or countries. Molly Zuckerman, a professor at Mississippi State University, explains that despite our best efforts, syphilis remains one of the least well-understood common bacterial infections.
The timing and sudden onset of the first documented syphilis epidemic in the late 15th century led historians to believe that it arrived in Europe after Columbus’ expeditions. However, some researchers argue that T. pallidum bacteria always had a global distribution and may have grown in virulence over time. The new study supports the notion that civilizations in the Americas experienced treponemal infections long before Columbus set sail, suggesting that treponemal disease was already present in the New World at least 500 years prior.
Verena Schünemann, an assistant professor at the University of Zurich’s Institute of Evolutionary Medicine and study author, cautions against attributing the 15th century epidemic to the Americas. Previous research conducted by her team found T. pallidum bacteria in human remains in Europe from the early modern period, suggesting that some forms of treponemal disease were already circulating on the continent before Columbus’ expeditions.
The study also revealed a bacterial family tree going back thousands of years, indicating that T. pallidum bacteria first evolved to infect humans as far back as 12,000 years ago. It is possible that the bacteria were brought to the Americas by its first inhabitants who crossed into the continent from Asia.
While the new findings do not definitively prove or disprove the Columbian hypothesis, they highlight the complexity of the story and the need for further research on ancient genomes from around the world. By studying ancient samples, scientists hope to unravel the distribution of different subspecies of the bacteria and gain a deeper understanding of the treponemal diseases that existed before Columbus’ voyages.
“The bigger scientific question now is not about syphilis but about the distribution of the three subspecies around the globe, particularly in pre-Columbian samples,” said Sheila A. Lukehart, a professor at the University of Washington.
The study represents a significant step forward in our understanding of syphilis and its ancient origins. By unraveling the genetic roots of this devastating disease, scientists are not only shedding light on our past but also paving the way for improved prevention and treatment strategies in the future.
