Browsing by Author "Pacheco, Aryel"
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Publication Ancient genomes reveal a deep history of Treponema pallidum in the Americas(2025) Barquera, Rodrigo; Sitter, T. Lesley; Kirkpatrick, Casey L.; Ramirez, Darío A.; Kocher, Arthur; Spyrou, Maria A.; Couoh, Lourdes R.; Talavera-González, Jorge A.; Castro, Mario; Hunnius, Tanya von; Guevara, Evelyn K.; Hamilton, W. Derek; Roberts, Patrick; Scott, Erin; Fabra, Mariana; Da Peña, Gabriela V.; Pacheco, Aryel; Rodriguez, Mónica; Aspillaga, Eugenio; Tiliakou, Anthi; Nelson, Elizabeth A.; Giffin, Karen L.,; Bianco, Raffaela A.; Rohrlach, Adam B.; García Martínez, María de los Angeles; Ballesteros Solís, Fabiola A.; Sajantila, Antti; Saunders, Shelley R.; Nores, Rodrigo; Herbig, Alexander; Krause, Johannes; Bos, Kirsten I.Human treponemal infections are caused by a family of closely related Treponema pallidum that give rise to the diseases yaws, bejel, pinta and, most notably, syphilis1. Debates on a common origin for these pathogens and the history of syphilis itself have weighed evidence for the ‘Columbian hypothesis’2, which argues for an American origin, against that for the ‘pre-Columbian hypothesis’3, which argues for the presence of the disease in Eurasia in the Medieval period and possibly earlier. Although molecular data has provided a genetic basis for distinction of the typed subspecies4, deep evolution of the complex has remained unresolved owing to limitations in the conclusions that can be drawn from the sparse palaeogenomic data that are currently available. Here we explore this evolutionary history through analyses of five pre- and peri-contact ancient treponemal genomes from the Americas that represent ancient relatives of the T. pallidum subsp. pallidum (syphilis), T. pallidum subsp. pertenue (yaws) and T. pallidum subsp. endemicum (bejel) lineages. Our data indicate unexplored diversity and an emergence of T. pallidum that post-dates human occupation in the Americas. Together, these results support an American origin for all T. pallidum characterized at the genomic level, both modern and ancient.Item Treponematosis in a pre-Columbian hunter-gatherer male from Antofagasta (1830 ± 20 BP, Northern Coast of Chile)(2020) Castro, Mario; Pacheco, Aryel; Kuzmanic, Ivo; Clarot, Alejandro; Díaz, PabloObjective: This paper reports a new case of treponemal disease in a pre-Columbian hunter-gatherer inhabiting the desert coast of South America. Materials: A well-preserved adult male skeleton from the “Vertedero Municipal” archaeological cemetery, located near the city of Antofagasta (Northern Chile). Methods: The skeleton was radiocarbon dated, and isotopic analyses were performed to assess diet and mobility. Lytic and proliferative lesions identified were evaluated macroscopically and radiologically. Results: A radiocarbon date of 1830 ± 20 BP and isotopic values indicating a marine diet and coastal residence were obtained. The cranium shows reactive changes as focal superficial cavitation, radial scarring and nodular cavitation, while the ribs, sternum, clavicles, and scapulae exhibit multiple lytic and proliferative lesions. The right femur has a node while both tibiae show mild anterior cortical thickening with a narrowed medullary cavity. Conclusions: Cranial lesions are pathognomonic for treponemal disease while postcranial changes are typical, and highly consistent with this pathology. Significance: The type, morphology, and pattern of lesions make this case a good candidate for venereal syphilis. The case is relevant to the origin of venereal syphilis due to the lifestyle, temporal and ecological context of the individual. Limitations: Diagnosis of venereal syphilis is based on skeletal lesions; thus, it must be confirmed by molecular analysis. Suggestions for Further Research: A comprehensive review of cases of pre-Columbian treponemal disease in South America as well as molecular studies are needed to confirm the presence of venereal syphilis in the New World before European contact.