Reevaluating the Origins of Syphilis: Insights from Prehistoric Vietnam

A recent study published in the *International Journal of Osteoarchaeology* has raised significant questions about the origins of syphilis, suggesting that the disease may not have originated in the Americas as previously believed. The research focused on 309 individuals from 16 archaeological sites in Vietnam, dating from 10,000 to 1,000 years ago. Notably, the skeletal remains of three children, aged 18 months, five years, and two-and-a-half years, exhibited signs of congenital treponematosis, a group of diseases that includes syphilis, yaws, bejel, and pinta.

The Jerusalem Post

The remains, excavated from the Man Bac site in northern Vietnam and An Son in southern Vietnam, date back approximately 4,100 to 3,300 years. These children displayed distinctive dental abnormalities and skeletal lesions indicative of congenital yaws rather than syphilis. This finding contradicts the long-held belief that only syphilis could be transmitted congenitally, a notion that has contributed to the theory that syphilis was introduced to Europe following Christopher Columbus' voyages.

The Jerusalem Post

Dr. Melandri Vlok, the study's lead author from Charles Sturt University, emphasized the need to reconsider existing interpretations of skeletal evidence. “Our research shows that this assumption may not always hold true,” Vlok stated, indicating that other treponemal diseases could also be transmitted from mother to child. The study highlights that 10% of individuals buried at the Man Bac site likely contracted a treponemal disease, predominantly affecting children and adolescents, which aligns with the understanding that non-venereal treponemal diseases are typically transmitted through skin contact rather than sexually.

The Jerusalem Post

While the findings present a compelling case for reevaluating the origins of syphilis, some experts may remain skeptical about the implications of congenital transmission in non-venereal treponematoses. Critics may argue that further research is necessary to establish a clearer understanding of the epidemiology of these diseases and their historical contexts.

The Jerusalem Post

Dr. Vlok's research calls for a broader interpretation of skeletal evidence in historical contexts, suggesting that cases previously classified as congenital syphilis might represent different diseases altogether. This perspective could lead to a paradigm shift in how researchers approach the study of treponemal diseases in ancient populations.

The Jerusalem Post

The study opens avenues for further investigation into the epidemiology of treponemal diseases in prehistoric populations. Future research may focus on additional archaeological sites to gather more data on the prevalence and transmission methods of these diseases, potentially reshaping the narrative surrounding the origins of syphilis and its related conditions.

The Jerusalem Post

“Our research shows that this assumption may not always hold true,” — Dr. Melandri Vlok, Lead Author

The Jerusalem Post

“The epidemiology of the site strongly points toward a non-venereal form of treponemal disease,” — Dr. Melandri Vlok, Lead Author

The Jerusalem Post

“ “If congenital transmission can occur in non-venereal treponematoses, then we need to rethink how we interpret skeletal evidence in the past.” — Dr. Melandri Vlok, Lead Author

The Jerusalem Post