This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/europe/8206785.stm

The article has changed 16 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 11 Version 12
Mozart 'killed by strep throat' Mozart 'killed by strep throat'
(9 minutes later)
The mysterious death of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart at the tender age of 35 has long fascinated scholars, but researchers now have a new theory.The mysterious death of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart at the tender age of 35 has long fascinated scholars, but researchers now have a new theory.
The composer - who died in Vienna in 1791 - may have succumbed to complications from a sore throat, caused by a bacterial infection.The composer - who died in Vienna in 1791 - may have succumbed to complications from a sore throat, caused by a bacterial infection.
The University of Amsterdam team think the streptococcus bug infected his kidneys, leading to swelling and death.The University of Amsterdam team think the streptococcus bug infected his kidneys, leading to swelling and death.
Previous theories include poisoning, rheumatic fever and eating bad pork.Previous theories include poisoning, rheumatic fever and eating bad pork.
Some say the Austrian maestro simply overworked himself into an early grave.Some say the Austrian maestro simply overworked himself into an early grave.
The latest study is published in this week's issue of the US medical magazine, Annals of Internal Medicine.The latest study is published in this week's issue of the US medical magazine, Annals of Internal Medicine.
Remains dispersedRemains dispersed
At the time of Mozart's death the cause was recorded as "severe military fever", and no autopsy was carried out. At the time of Mozart's death the cause was recorded as "severe military fever," and no autopsy was carried out.
His remains were dispersed seven years later when the composer's grave was dug up so it could be reused, making forensic analysis all but impossible.His remains were dispersed seven years later when the composer's grave was dug up so it could be reused, making forensic analysis all but impossible.
The known facts of Mozart's fatal illness, including the features of oedema, malaise and back pain, seem compatible with this diagnosis University of Amsterdam studyThe known facts of Mozart's fatal illness, including the features of oedema, malaise and back pain, seem compatible with this diagnosis University of Amsterdam study
The paper's authors, Richard Zegers, Andreas Weigl and Andrew Steptoe, reached their conclusion by comparing historical accounts of the maestro's illness - fever, rash, limb pain and swelling - with illnesses prevalent at the time of his death. The Dutch paper's authors - Richard Zegers, Andreas Weigl and Andrew Steptoe - reached their conclusion by comparing historical accounts of the maestro's illness - fever, rash, limb pain and swelling - with illnesses prevalent at the time of his death.
They analysed more than 5,000 cases between 1791 and 1793 and found oedema (a swelling caused by the build-up of fluid beneath the skin) to be the third most common cause of death after tuberculosis and malnutrition.They analysed more than 5,000 cases between 1791 and 1793 and found oedema (a swelling caused by the build-up of fluid beneath the skin) to be the third most common cause of death after tuberculosis and malnutrition.
Mozart's body was said to be so swollen in his dying days that he could not even turn over in bed. And in December 1791, the month of his death, the researchers found oedema to be far more prevalent among men of his young age.Mozart's body was said to be so swollen in his dying days that he could not even turn over in bed. And in December 1791, the month of his death, the researchers found oedema to be far more prevalent among men of his young age.
This led them to conclude he may have had a simple strep infection, which caused a disorder that destroyed his kidneys.This led them to conclude he may have had a simple strep infection, which caused a disorder that destroyed his kidneys.
Or, as they pithily conclude: "Our analysis is consistent with Mozart's last illness and death being due to a streptococcal infection leading to an acute nephritic syndrome caused by poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis."Or, as they pithily conclude: "Our analysis is consistent with Mozart's last illness and death being due to a streptococcal infection leading to an acute nephritic syndrome caused by poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis."
The researchers accept other causes - such as scarlet fever or a chronic heart or kidney condition - may be possible, and acknowledge the limitations of their research.The researchers accept other causes - such as scarlet fever or a chronic heart or kidney condition - may be possible, and acknowledge the limitations of their research.
But they add that "the known facts of Mozart's fatal illness, including the features of oedema, malaise and back pain, seem compatible with this diagnosis". But they add that "the known facts of Mozart's fatal illness, including the features of oedema, malaise and back pain, seem compatible with this diagnosis."