Koesbardiati, Toetiek, Lertwinitnun, Sukanya, Yaemkhongmueang, Napatsorn, Nhoem, Sophorn, and Domett, Kate (2026) Infection in the Tropics: A Complex Case Study From Bronze Age (1200–700 BC) Thailand. International Journal of Osteoarchaeology, 36 (2). pp. 423-432.

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Abstract

The tropical environment is well known for harboring a significant and diverse pathogen load. The aim of this study is to present a Bronze Age (1200–700 bc) case from northeast Thailand in which the incomplete skeleton of a young woman exhibited diffuse osteolytic and osteoblastic lesions spanning the periosteum, cortex, and medullary cavity in the right radius, ulna, and distal humerus. Detailed descriptions from macroscopic and radiographic observations are provided for each lesion. While not a simple case, it is suggested that osteomyelitis from a contiguous cutaneous injury is the most parsimonious diagnosis that may well have contributed to her premature death. This case discusses the range of possible tropical pathogens relevant to the social and environmental context. Alongside land clearance, rice farming, animal husbandry, and hunting and gathering, it is perhaps surprising that there is very little skeletal evidence of infectious disease, including osteomyelitis, identified in prehistoric communities from Thailand to date. The over 1000 burials excavated in the Mun River Valley of northeast Thailand warrant further attention.

Item ID:	91276
Item Type:	Article (Research - C1)
ISSN:	1099-1212
Copyright Information:	© 2026 John Wiley & Sons Ltd
Date Deposited:	21 Apr 2026 23:21
FoR Codes:	43 HISTORY, HERITAGE AND ARCHAEOLOGY > 4301 Archaeology > 430102 Archaeology of Asia, Africa and the Americas @ 60% 44 HUMAN SOCIETY > 4401 Anthropology > 440103 Biological (physical) anthropology @ 40%
SEO Codes:	13 CULTURE AND SOCIETY > 1307 Understanding past societies > 130702 Understanding Asia’s past @ 100%
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