The sexually transmitted disease syphilis may have been carried to Europe aboard one of Christopher Columbus’ ships during their return journey from American shores. According to HealthDay News, researchers from Emory University came to their belief after analyzing skeletal evidence believed to indicate the presence of syphilis in Europe before 1492.
“Syphilis has been around for 500 years,” said study co-leader Molly Zuckerman. “People started debating where it came from shortly afterwards, and they haven’t stopped since. It was one of the first global diseases, and understanding where it came from and how it spread may help us combat diseases today.”
To reach their conclusions, Zuckerman’s team studied 54 published reports of skeletal remains found in Europe that were previously thought to contain evidence of syphilis before the time of Columbus’ voyage. However, researchers noted that the material lacked characteristics like small holes in the skull and long bones that would indicate the presence of chronic syphilis. Those skeletons that did show signs of the disease were found to have been dated incorrectly and actually belonged to people living after the time of Columbus’ return from the New World.
