Histological study of pulmonary tuberculosis in a 19th-century natural mummy from Comiso (Sicily, Italy)

Introduction. In Italy collections of mummies preserved in crypts and chapels are frequent, in particular in the central and southern regions. In Comiso (Sicily) the mortuary chapel of the church of Santa Maria della Grazia, built in the 18th century by the Capuchins, hosts 50 mummies lying in niches. Methods. We analysed the natural mummy of an anonymous friar dressed in a Capuchin tunic who died at about 30-35 years. The head was missing due to post depositional events, but the body was in good conditions. In particular, the skin and soft tissues of the upper limbs, hands, chest, and abdomen were completely preserved. The macroscopic examination and the tissue samples were conducted through breaches already present in the dorsal side. Histological and histochemical analyses were performed on samples of pulmonary parenchyma. Results. 7 intra parenchymal calcified nodules in the left lung with a diameter between 2 and 5 mm were found. Histological examination showed alveolar atelectasis with fibrosis and intense anthracosis. The fibrocalcific nodules showed some small lacunae surrounded by fibrous tissue, containing necrotic and caseous material. These findings are compatible with the calcification of a previous Ghon complex of an apical nodular tuberculosis. We can therefore assume that the friar probably came into contact with the mycobacterium, after which he developed the primary infection. Conclusions. The mummy of the friar revealed calcific post-primary tuberculosis. The case of Comiso confirms the large spread of the disease in the 19th century, when it reached its maximum peak in Europe