Study finds that large dinosaurs were also victims of respiratory infections

A study published Thursday (10) in the scientific journal Scientific Reports stated that the fossilized remains of a sauropod dinosaur known for its long neck and small head, show that the specimen was a victim of a respiratory infection.

According to the researchers, this is the first time that evidence indicates an injury of the type in a non-avian dinosaur (given that it is birds that have wings, such as Archeopteryx).

“Given the possible symptoms of this animal, you can’t help but feel sorry for Dolly. We all feel these same symptoms (cough, difficulty breathing, fever) – and here is a 150 million year old dinosaur that we probably felt the same misery that we all feel when we are sick.” In a research note.

Simulation shows a comparison of dinosaurs with a 1.70-meter man and what the infected respiratory flow is – Image: Woodruff et al. and Francesco Pronin Alfaro / Statement

The specimen, nicknamed Dolly, was discovered in Montana in the United States, and lived about 150 million years ago. By analyzing the neck bones, researchers led by Carrie Woodruff identified bony spurs with unusual texture and shape.

Computerized tomography (CT) scans showed the defects were abnormal development of skeletons that scientists say formed in response to an infection. According to the researchers, the tissue changes are consistent with recent cases of fungal lung infection.

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The first association with respiratory problems occurred because the point of the anomaly was located in cavities in the bones attached to the lung, incorporating the complex respiratory system of the dinosaur.

“This fossil infection in Dolly not only helps us trace the evolutionary history of respiratory diseases, but gives us a better understanding of the types of diseases that dinosaurs were susceptible to,” Woodruff said.