Consistent Prevalence of Spondyloarthropathy Over 2300 Years: Ancient Egyptians and the Synchronic Baboon Catacomb

摘要

Abstract This review identifies the character of inflammatory arthritis in the Baboon Catacomb mummies, notes change in prevalence of the disease over the millennia and provides insight to ancient Egyptian animal husbandry. Examination was performed on (1) 80 Papio anubus from the Baboon Catacomb, (2) a group of twentieth century free-ranging baboons from Ethiopia, Kenya and Tanzania and (3) human skeletons from sympatric, synchronic Egyptian cemeteries. Spondyloarthropathy is recognized in Papio (baboons) on the basis of syndesmophytes, zygapophyseal joint fusion, appendicular joint subchondral erosions and reactive new bone formation. Vitamin D deficiency is recognized by bowed bones and angulation of epiphyseal-diaphyseal junctions; infection spondylitis, by draining sinuses and reactive new bone formation. Fulfillment of the above listed diagnostic criteria support the diagnosis of spondyloarthropathy in 6 of Catacomb baboons, indistinguishable in prevalence from the 3.8 in twentieth century Papio anubus and 2.3–4.4 of sympatric, synchronic Egyptian humans. Evidence of vitamin D deficiency was present in three-fifths of afflicted baboons. The prevalence of spondyloarthropathy remains indistinguishable across time and phylogeny (human and baboon), suggesting that the hygienic conditions under which the baboons were housed are equal to that of synchronic human inhabitants.