Tuberculosis in Human Bones from 4000 Years Ago, Iran

Area of Science:

• Paleopathology
• Archaeology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
• TB primarily affects the lungs but can spread to other organs, including bones.
• The study focuses on identifying high-intensity TB destruction in ancient human skeletal remains.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the presence and characteristics of tuberculosis in prehistoric human remains.
• To analyze bone destruction patterns indicative of high-intensity TB infection.
• To contribute to understanding the historical prevalence of tuberculosis.

Main Methods:

• Examination of human skeletal remains from a 4000-year-old cemetery in the Sagezabad region, Iran (Iron Age 2-3).
• Comparison of observed bone destruction patterns with international tuberculosis atlases for diagnosis.
• Utilizing cases with significant bone penetration to simplify diagnostic confirmation.

Main Results:

• Evidence of tuberculosis was identified in the analyzed human bones.
• The high degree of bone destruction due to TB infection aided in diagnosis.
• The findings confirm the presence of this ancient disease in the population.

Conclusions:

• Tuberculosis was present in human populations 4000 years ago in the Sagezabad region of Iran.
• The study supports the long history of tuberculosis, noting its existence even in Neanderthals.
• Paleopathological analysis of skeletal remains is crucial for understanding ancient disease patterns.