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Mastoid development in ancient and modern populations. A longitudinal radiological study
JAMA
|July 23, 1982
Summary
Otitis media, an ear infection, significantly impacted the mastoid bone throughout history. Ancient populations and pre-antibiotic eras show more severe effects of this condition on temporal bone pneumatization.
Area of Science:
- Paleopathology
- Otolaryngology
- Human Evolution
Background:
- Otitis media and mastoiditis have a long history, affecting human mastoid processes.
- Understanding historical ear infection prevalence aids in comprehending long-term health impacts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the long-term effects of otitis media on the human mastoid process over one millennium.
- To compare temporal bone pneumatization patterns across ancient and modern populations.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of temporal bone pneumatization patterns.
- Examination of four ancient and two present-day populations.
- Historical epidemiological assessment of otitis media and mastoiditis.
Main Results:
- Otitis media and mastoiditis were present in ancient populations, evidenced by temporal bone pneumatization.
- Altered pneumatization patterns were more frequent post-European contact compared to pre-contact eras.
- Ancient and pre-antibiotic era temporal bones exhibited greater otitis media effects in childhood than modern schoolchildren.
Conclusions:
- Otitis media has had a significant, historically consistent impact on mastoid bone development.
- Environmental and microbial factors in the Upper Missouri River Basin likely contributed to prevalent upper respiratory tract infections over the past millennium.
- Microbiological agents in the region over 1,000 years ago possessed virulence comparable to contemporary strains.