Oldest case of leprosy found in 1st century tomb

Analysis of human remains buried in the 1st century 'Tomb of the Shroud? in Jerusalem has revealed evidence of ancient leprosy and tuberculosis. The new research, involving UCL researchers, is published in the journal PLoS One today. This is the first time that a 1st century tomb from Jerusalem has been investigated by molecular methods. Analysis of the ancient DNA showed both leprosy (Hansen's disease) and tuberculosis (TB) present in male remains found in a small-sealed off chamber within the tomb. This finding is the oldest known case of leprosy with confirmed dates and molecular evidence. The 'Tomb of the Shroud? dates from the time of Jesus and was discovered in Jerusalem in 2000 by an international archaeological team led by Shimon Gibson, Boaz Zissu and James Tabor. The rock-hewn burial cave, one of 70 or more in the area, belongs to a cemetery known as Akeldama or 'Field of Blood', as described in the Bible (Matthew 27:3-8; Acts 1:19).