Today, tuberculosis is again on the increase. Factors such as HIV and increased resistance to antibiotic treatments mean that it still presents a serious public health problem. That the excavation has so far produced seven individuals with osteological evidence for tuberculosis is in itself remarkable. In this small percentage, the spine is most commonly involved, and the picture shown here shows the destructive changes wrought by TB on a spinal vertebra. As the disease progresses the vertebrae collapse, resulting in what is known as Pott's Disease.
Sufferers have a hunchbacked appearance.
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