History of Treponematosis

History of Treponematosis
It was originated in the tropical or temperate zone of the Americas and was spread by causal contact.

This non-venereal infection is the diseases that was initially contracted by Columbus’ crew, but social and environmental conditions in Europe at that time were conductive to its venereal dissemination in urban areas.

According to history, in 1495(three years after the return of the first trip of Columbus) the Spanish army of Gonzalo de Cordoba, the Great Captain besieged the French troops of Charles VIII who, a short time before had conquered Naples. During the siege a strange and severe epidemic appeared among the defenders.

The disease began with loathsome arose and ulcers terrible aches in the bones, and shortly after invalid status or death.

With two such terrible enemies (the Spaniards outside and the treponemes inside Naples), the French troops surrendered and as they return to their countries they spread the diseases throughout Italy, France and Germany.

By 1500 all of Europe was afflicted by the terrible effects of the epidemic.

There are four different treponemal disease exist, but the different treponemes share a common biological ancestor, probably an animal pathogen.

It has also suggested that the four clinical entitles that are recognized today are, in fact a single disease caused by Treponema pallidum.

Changing environment conditions are held responsible for the different epidemiological patterns of the treponematosis.

It has been postulated that treponematosis originated some 22 000 years ago in the Eurasian-Africa landmass. It is believed to be the first treponematosis occurring in humans.

Yaws probably arose around 10 000 BC in the Afro-Asian landmass from a mutant form of pints. This mutated organisms, was more adapted to tropical circumstances.

Endemic syphilis is assumed to have originated before 8000 BC, probably as a result of a mutation of the treponeme, or as an adaptation to new epidemiological factors.

The sexually transmitted form of treponematosis, venereal syphilis, emerged in later millennium, at a time when bodily contact among adults was largely retracted to sexual contact.
History of Treponematosis