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Rheumatic disease and the Australian aborigine
R A Roberts-Thomson1, P J Roberts-Thomson
1University of Adelaide, Department of Immunology, Australia.
Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases
|May 4, 1999
Summary
Rheumatic diseases like rheumatoid arthritis were absent in Australian Aborigines historically. Post-settlement, conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatic fever, and systemic lupus erythematosus became prevalent, with some RA and gout now emerging.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Indigenous Health
- Paleopathology
Background:
- Rheumatic diseases present unique challenges in understanding their etiology and epidemiology.
- Australian Aborigines historically exhibited distinct patterns of rheumatic disease compared to other populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To document the frequency and disease phenotype of rheumatic diseases in Australian Aborigines.
- To analyze the historical and contemporary patterns of rheumatic conditions in this indigenous population.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature review encompassing archaeological, ethnohistorical, and contemporary sources.
- Analysis of disease prevalence and clinical presentation of rheumatic conditions.
Main Results:
- Rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and gout were historically absent, potentially due to genetic factors.
- Osteoarthritis was common, linked to a hunter-gatherer lifestyle and joint loading.
- Post-settlement, increased rates of rheumatic fever, systemic lupus erythematosus, and pyogenic arthritis were observed, with emerging RA and gout.
Conclusions:
- The phenotype of rheumatic diseases in Australian Aborigines is distinctive and evolving.
- Changes in diet, lifestyle, and genetic admixture are influencing rheumatic disease patterns.
- Studying these changing patterns offers insights into the pathogenesis of rheumatic disorders.