Past leprae

Abstract

Although leprosy often results in characteristic morphological alterations to the skeleton, its diagnosis may be difficult in cases of less significant bone changes. Molecular analysis of such cases may help resolve several aspects of the palaeopathology and palaeoepidemiology of leprosy. Several reports have documented the extraction and molecular analysis of Mycobacterium leprae DNA from ancient bone samples. Accordingly, a direct palaeomicrobiological approach may be taken to investigate the disease and its sequelae. In addition, the origin and the spread of the disease, as well as the dramatic decline of this infection in post-mediaeval Europe, can now be investigated. © 2008 Springer Berlin Heidelberg.