Brucellosis in an adult female from Fate Bell Rock Shelter, Lower Pecos, Texas (4000–1300 BP)

ConclusionsAside from this study, only one other case of brucellosis has been recognized in prehistoric North American hunter-gatherer skeletal remains.SignificanceThis individual represents the first case of brucellosis in a hunter-gatherer from prehistoric North America diagnosed using both macroscopic skeletal analysis and computed tomography (CT).LimitationsPoor preservation of vertebrae make cross comparison of remains and differential diagnosis difficult.Suggestions for further researchFurther review and paleopathological research is needed regarding Coxiella burnetti (Q-fever) infection as a possible contributing factor to osteolytic lesions.
Source: International Journal of Paleopathology - Category: Pathology Source Type: research