Re-examination of the Subalyuk Neanderthal remains uncovers signs of probable TB infection (Subalyuk Cave, Hungary)
GASPARIK, Mihály
Department of Palaeontology and Geology, Hungarian Natural History Museum, Budapest
Department of Palaeontology and Geology, Hungarian Natural History Museum, Budapest
MINNIKIN, David
Institute of Microbiology and Infection, School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham
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Institute of Microbiology and Infection, School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham
Language
en
Article de revue
This item was published in
Tuberculosis. 2023-12, vol. 143, p. 102419
Elsevier
English Abstract
In 1932, skeletal remains of two Neanderthal individuals, a young adult female and a 3–4–year-old child, were discovered in Subalyuk Cave in Northern Hungary [1,2]. Results of the anthropological examination were published ...Read more >
In 1932, skeletal remains of two Neanderthal individuals, a young adult female and a 3–4–year-old child, were discovered in Subalyuk Cave in Northern Hungary [1,2]. Results of the anthropological examination were published some years after this important discovery. Methodological progress encouraged re-examination of the material during the last few years. Radiocarbon dating revealed a chronological age of 39,732–39,076 cal. BP for the adult female and 36,117–35,387 cal. BP for the child [3]. Morphological paleopathological studies of these Neanderthal remains uncovered distinct evidence of skeletal infections. Alterations of the adult individual’s sacrum suggest probable early-stage sacroiliitis, while several vertebral bodies indicate superficial osseous remodelling of infectious origin. Traces of pathological lesions were observed on the endocranial surface of the child’s skull, reflecting a reaction of meningeal tissues, a consequence of a probable TB-related meningeal infectious process. Results of recent paleomicrobiological examinations – lipid biomarker and aDNA studies – support the morphological diagnosis of probable TB infections [4]Read less <
English Keywords
Neanderthal remains, Paleopathology, Tuberculosis, Tuberculous meningitis, Subalyuk cave, Hungary
Origin
Hal importedCollections