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Ancient DNA Reveals 5,500-Year-Old Treponema Pallidum Lineage

1/22/2026

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Summary

Story summary

A Science study sequenced the genome of Treponema pallidum from a 5,500-year-old skeleton in Colombia, revealing a lineage at least 3,000 years older.
The results indicate treponemal diseases existed in the Americas long before urbanization and European contact.
The ancient strain appears to belong to a previously unknown branch of Treponema pallidum, signaling a complex evolutionary history.
The findings raise questions about the diversity of treponemal diseases in ancient populations.

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Story summary

A Science study sequenced the genome of Treponema pallidum from a 5,500-year-old skeleton in Colombia, revealing a lineage at least 3,000 years older.
The results indicate treponemal diseases existed in the Americas long before urbanization and European contact.
The ancient strain appears to belong to a previously unknown branch of Treponema pallidum, signaling a complex evolutionary history.
The findings raise questions about the diversity of treponemal diseases in ancient populations.