New evidence of Entamoeba histolytica infections in pre-Columbian and colonial cemeteries in the Caribbean.

ELISA was used to test the presence of the human pathogenic amoeba Entamoeba histolytica in archaeological samples from 2 cemeteries in Guadeloupe, in the Caribbean. Results show that 15.9% of the population was infected during the colonial period, a value comparable to the current rates observed in humans in adjacent countries. This study also confirms the presence of the current strain of E. histolytica in pre-Columbian South America before the European colonization in the 15th century and raises the possibility of an earlier transfer from Europe to the Americas.

Differential diagnosis of carpal and tarsal ankylosis on dry bones: Example from the catacomb of Saints Peter and Marcellinus (Rome, 1st-3rd century AD).

Bone ankylosis is a pathological feature that may occur in many chronic diseases involving joints. In paleopathology, it is therefore challenging to attribute such a change to a specific condition. Here, we illustrate the differential diagnosis by discussing the lesions observed on an incomplete skeleton from the Roman period, recovered from the catacomb of Saints Peter and Marcellinus (Rome, Italy). The skeleton exhibits several bone changes, including ankylosis on both feet and the left hand. The right tarsal fusion is accompanied by soft tissue ossifications involving the plantar aponeurosis and the tendinous structures connecting the great toe's proximal phalanx and sesamoid bones. The lesions recorded suggest that a spondyloarthropathy is the most likely cause of these extensive fusions.

Baastrup's sign (kissing spines): A neglected condition in paleopathology.

New joint formation on vertebral spinous processes, so-called Baastrup's sign or "kissing spines", is a common condition in present-day populations. Paleopatologists, however, have not paid much attention to this manifestation, although some have claimed that this degenerative disease may be indicative of strenuous activities. Here, we report three cases of Baastrup's sign identified in a French post-medieval cemetery, and discuss the possible relationship between the condition and the other pathological changes the skeletons exhibit. Comparison with previously published cases permits some consideration of the etiology of the disease. Our findings question the possible relationship between Baastrup's sign and vertebral ankylosis, as well as the influence of border shifting on the expression of the condition. Moreover, the condition appears to be a possible diagnostic feature of severe forms of rickets/osteomalacia. Contrariwise, no certain relationship between Baastrup's sign and activity can be asserted. Further large sample studies would contribute to gaining information about the prevalence of such a condition in past populations, and to ascertain whether or not it constitutes a useful skeletal marker for the reconstruction of activities in ancient societies.