Ancient Syphilis Traced to Early South Americans

New genetic evidence challenges the 'Columbian Exchange' theory of syphilis' origins

Jan. 28, 2026 at 7:23pm

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A recent study analyzing a 13,700-year-old bacterial genome suggests that the syphilis-causing bacterium Treponema pallidum was already circulating and diversifying among human populations in South America millennia before European contact, rewriting the history of this global disease.

Why it matters

This discovery isn't just about rewriting history; it's opening up entirely new avenues for understanding the evolution of infectious diseases and their complex relationship with human migration. It challenges the long-held belief that syphilis was introduced to Europe by Christopher Columbus and his crew, and suggests the bacteria accompanied early human migrations out of Africa.

The details

The research, led by researchers analyzing ancient skeletal remains, pinpointed a divergence in the Treponema pallidum lineage dating back to the Late Pleistocene epoch. This suggests the bacteria wasn't introduced to Europe, but rather evolved alongside our ancestors as they spread globally. However, the 1495 siege of Naples, a documented outbreak of a particularly virulent form of syphilis, remains a pivotal moment in the disease's history, raising questions about how it evolved and spread.

  • The research analyzed a 13,700-year-old bacterial genome.
  • The divergence in the Treponema pallidum lineage dates back to the Late Pleistocene epoch.

The players

Treponema pallidum

The bacterium responsible for syphilis.

Christopher Columbus

The explorer whose crew was long believed to have introduced syphilis to Europe.

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What they’re saying

“Current technology can't tell us about the virulence of ancient strains, the specific symptoms they caused, or how they were transmitted. We're essentially looking at a fragmented historical record, trying to piece together a complete picture.”

— Camilla Bozzi, Researcher

What’s next

Researchers are increasingly focusing on analyzing genomes from diverse geographical locations and social contexts to identify key turning points in the human-pathogen relationship. Advancements in metagenomics and the integration of paleopathology with archaeological and anthropological data will provide a more holistic understanding of disease dynamics in the past.

The takeaway

The study of ancient pathogens like syphilis has important implications for the present and future, as learning how pathogens have evolved in response to changing environmental and social conditions can help us better prepare for emerging infectious diseases and develop more effective strategies for disease control.