Ancient “Syphilis-Like” Disease in Vietnam Challenges Key Scientific Assumptions

A study of 309 prehistoric skeletons from Vietnam found three children with signs of congenital treponemal disease.

Researchers say the pattern fits a non-venereal illness such as yaws better than venereal syphilis.

The findings suggest mother-to-child transmission in ancient bones does not by itself prove syphilis.

The work challenges a major archaeological assumption and may reshape debates on syphilis origins and spread.