Childhood tuberculosis: A probable case from late mediaeval Somerset, England

A description of the late mediaeval skeleton (AD 1150-1539) of a young child with probable signs of tuberculosis is presented. This individual was recovered along with one hundred and ninety skeletons from the cemetery of the priory of SS Peter and Paul, Taunton, Somerset. Aged between three and five years old at death, these remains present a variety of lesions on the cranium, ribs, cervical vertebrae and femora, some of which are highly suggestive of tuberculosis. These include oval lesions on the visceral surface of three ribs and a circular lytic lesion on the right parietal. The identification of tuberculosis in sub-adult remains (especially young children) is limited for this period with only a few examples discussed in the literature. The uniqueness of the skull and atlas lesions adds to our knowledge of sub-adult paleopathology, and it is hoped that this description will provide comparative material to aid in future diagnoses.