Emerging Infectious Diseases Vol. 2, No. 4--October-December 1996
1996
Ancient Egyptian Diseases and Their Modern Implications
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Daniel G. Colley, Robert J. Littman, David M. Morens
Primary Institution: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; University of Hawaii
Hypothesis
Could the ancient Egyptian disease AAA be related to HIV or AIDS?
Conclusion
The evidence suggests that AAA disease likely refers to schistosomiasis rather than HIV or AIDS.
Supporting Evidence
- Schistosomiasis has been shown to have occurred in Egypt from early pharaonic times.
- Remedies for hematuria were recorded in ancient papyri, indicating the condition was serious.
- Schistosomiasis now infects about 200 million people worldwide.
Takeaway
Researchers think that an ancient Egyptian disease called AAA is actually a type of worm infection, not HIV. This shows how some diseases have been around for a long time.
Limitations
The interpretations of ancient hieroglyphs are challenging and may not be definitive.
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