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5,500-year-old skeleton yields oldest evidence yet of syphilis-related bacteria
The genome of an ancient syphilis-related bacterium from a Colombian hunter-gatherer reveals a lineage over 13,700 years old, predating agriculture and urbanization.
- Scientists found a genome of Treponema Pallidum in 5,500-year-old remains in Sabana de Bogotá, Colombia, representing the oldest evidence of syphilis-related bacteria yet discovered.
- This discovery shows that syphilis-related bacteria have existed in the Americas for over 3,000 years longer than previously thought.
- Research indicates that the ancient strain diverged from other lineages about 13,700 years ago, while modern subspecies emerged only about 6,000 years ago.
- Lars Fehren-Schmitz stated that these findings enhance our understanding of the evolution of pathogens and health risks.
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Scientists have discovered DNA from a bacterium, a subspecies of which causes syphilis, on human remains found in Colombia dating back 5,500 years.
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Total News Sources21
Leaning Left5Leaning Right1Center6Last UpdatedBias Distribution50% Center
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources are Center
50% Center
L 42%
C 50%
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