Abstract
The La Chapelle-aux-Saints 1 skeleton of an old (>60-year-old) male Neanderthal is renowned for the advanced osteoarthritis of its spinal column and hip joint, and their implications for posture and lifestyle in these Mid- to Late Pleistocene humans. Reassessment of the pathologic lesions reveals erosions at multiple non-contiguous vertebrae and reactive bone formation extending far beyond the left hip joint, which suggests the additional diagnosis of brucellosis. This implies the earliest secure evidence of this zoonotic disease in hominin evolution. Brucellosis might have been transmitted via butchering or eating raw meat and is well compatible with the range of prey animals documented for Neanderthals. The associated infertility could have represented an important aspect of health in these late archaic humans.
Highlights
The La Chapelle-aux-Saints 1 skeleton of an old (>60-year-old) male Neanderthal is renowned for the advanced osteoarthritis of its spinal column and hip joint, and their implications for posture and lifestyle in these Mid- to Late Pleistocene humans
Brucellosis is globally the most prevalent z oonosis[6]. It was first described by David Bruce on the island of Malta in 18857 and originally referred to as Malta fever. Evans[8] provided the appellation brucellosis and its discovery in Malta is reflected in one of its species names, Brucella melitensis. Hughes[9] suggests that Hippocrates described it in 1450 BCE
All preserved vertebrae of La Chapelle-aux-Saints 1 showed mild to advanced osteoarthritic changes of the facet joints
Summary
The La Chapelle-aux-Saints 1 skeleton of an old (>60-year-old) male Neanderthal is renowned for the advanced osteoarthritis of its spinal column and hip joint, and their implications for posture and lifestyle in these Mid- to Late Pleistocene humans. Reassessment of the pathologic lesions reveals erosions at multiple non-contiguous vertebrae and reactive bone formation extending far beyond the left hip joint, which suggests the additional diagnosis of brucellosis. This implies the earliest secure evidence of this zoonotic disease in hominin evolution. Brucellosis is caused by an acid-fast non-motile, gram negative facultative intracellular coccobacillus related to animal (Anaplasma, Bartonella, Rickettsia and Wolbachia) and plant pathogens (Agrobacterium, Ochrobactrum and Sinorhizobium)[15,16] It occurs worldwide, it is predominantly recognized in the Mediterranean region, Asia and Latin America[17]. We examine evidence for its presence in a Neanderthal
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
