Brief communication: a case of congenital syphilis during the colonial period in Mexico City.
Am J Phys Anthropol
; 97(2): 187-95, 1995 Jun.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-7653507
ABSTRACT
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.
Palabras clave
Age Factors; Americas; Case Studies; Congenital Abnormalities; Demographic Factors; Developing Countries; Diseases; Infant; Infections; Latin America; Mexico; Neonatal Diseases And Abnormalities; North America; Population; Population Characteristics; Reproductive Tract Infections; Research Methodology; Research Report; Sexually Transmitted Diseases; Studies; Syphilis; Youth
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Colección:
01-internacional
Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Sífilis Congénita
/
Treponema pallidum
/
Enfermedades Óseas
Límite:
Child, preschool
/
Humans
/
Male
País/Región como asunto:
Mexico
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Am J Phys Anthropol
Año:
1995
Tipo del documento:
Article
Pais de publicación:
Estados Unidos