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OBJECTIVE: This project seeks to create a differential diagnosis for lesions found on the skeletal remains of two children as a means to explore the presence of viral disease in 16th- century Peru. MATERIALS: Extremely well-preserved human remains of two children who died between the ages of 1-2 years old, recovered from the circum-contact (∼1540 CE) cemetery in Huanchaco, Peru. METHODS: Macroscopic and radiographic analysis. RESULTS: Both individuals present with cortical thickening, symmetrical destructive lesions, metaphyseal expansion, perforations, exposure of the medullary cavity, resorption of metaphyseal ends and necrosis of the long bones, and deposited reactive new bone. These features are consistent with osteomyelitis variolosa and bacterial osteomyelitis. CONCLUSIONS: Three features of Individuals IG-124 and IG-493 suggest a highly consistent diagnosis of osteomyelitis variolosa: multiple skeletal lesions, the historical context of the area, and the high mortality rate of non-adults in the circum-contact cemetery. SIGNIFICANCE: Although viral infections are ubiquitous and well documented historically, their etiologies are often difficult to determine in archaeological populations. Orthopoxvirus variola (smallpox) is one of the many viruses whose archaeological impact is still under explored in skeletal remains. LIMITATIONS: The absence of smallpox in other children from the Huanchaco cemetery creates difficulty in ascertaining true prevalence rates or information on potential outbreaks. SUGGESTIONS FOR FURTHER RESEARCH: Further research analyzing aDNA from calculus and/or residues using a DIP-GC-MS method might create a better understanding of how smallpox spread through the region.

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BACKGROUND: CT scanning was utilized to investigate an intact mummy bundle within the bioarchaeology of care framework. The project sought to ascertain whether a 'virtual' analysis was feasible, thereby avoiding physical disturbance to bundle structure and contents. METHODS: The bundle selected for this study contained an adult male (FA 54), Ichma culture, Peru, displaying evidence for two pathologies: chronic osteomyelitis of the right tibia, and cranial trauma. CT images provided the basis for bioarchaeology of care analysis, which followed Index of Care protocols. RESULTS: CT images enabled description and diagnosis of FA 54, and revealed human neonate remains and material artifacts within the bundle. Probable disease impacts were identified, and likely forms of care provided were inferred. CT scanning was of limited value in identifying characteristics of textile wrapping (a clue to cultural identity) and in resolving questions regarding funerary treatment (primary vs. secondary burial), and this constrained consideration of wider social implications of caregiving. CONCLUSION: 'Virtual' examination of FA 54 achieved an advanced stage of bioarchaeology of care analysis, but building on this would require physical examination of bundle elements. Further investigation of CT imaging potential for bioarchaeology of care research in mummy studies is recommended.

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Congenital syphilis has been diagnosed very seldom in ancient populations. The case that we examined comes from San Jeronimo's Church (17th and 18th centuries AD; Mexico City). Coffin 43 contained an incomplete skeleton of an approximately 2-year-old infant. The pathological lesions of this skeleton include bilateral osteochondritis, diaphyseal osteomyelitis, and osteitis and/or periostitis on the long bones. The radiographic appearance depicts symmetrical osteomyelitic foci, particularly at the proximal extremity of both tibiae (Wimberger's sign). The skull exhibits hydrocephaly and periosteal changes on the vault, and the unerupted upper incisors evince dental hypoplasia and other pathological alterations reminiscent of Hutchinson's incisors. All these features strongly suggest a case of early congenital syphilis.

PIP: Debate continues over whether venereal syphilis originated in Europe or the New World. Evidence from skeletal remains suggests the occurrence of treponemal infections in both the New World and Europe before 1492, but the specimens interpreted as suggestive of venereal syphilis await a possible immunological test which could confirm the diagnosis. Venereal syphilis is the only kind of treponematosis which can easily be transmitted within the uterus, leading to congenital syphilis. Congenital syphilis is a very severe disease with a mortality rate of almost 50%. The authors examined the partial skeleton in coffin 43 exhumed in 1976 from the site of San Jeronimo's Church in the center of Mexico City. The skeleton dates from the colonial period of the 17th and 18th centuries, and belonged to a human of approximately two years old. Pathological lesions include bilateral osteochondritis, diaphyseal osteomyelitis, and osteitis and/or periostitis on the long bones. The radiographic appearance depicts symmetrical osteomyelitic foci, particularly at the proximal extremity of both tibiae, while the skull exhibits hydrocephaly and periosteal changes on the vault. The unerupted upper incisors show dental hypoplasia and other pathological alterations reminiscent of Hutchinson's incisors. These features strongly suggest a case of early congenital syphilis. The characteristics of congenital syphilis are described.

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Os autores apresentam um caso de paciente de 2 anos e 11 meses de idade, masculino, pardo, portador de osteomielite supurativa cronica focal do osso maxilar, diagnosticado pelo exame clinico-cirurgico e confirmado pelo exame histopatologico. Sua provavel origem dentaria e comentada, como tambem asua terapeutica e evolucao

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