DOCSLIB.ORG

Infographic: a Brief History of Microbiology

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Infographic: a Brief History of Microbiology A Brief History of Microbiology 1886: Theodore Escherich describes a bacterium which The Adven he called “bacterium coli L t of An commune” and which was aying the Foundation tibio later to be called Escherichia tic coli. A strain he isolated in 1920s: Selman s 1886 is added to Waksman and Albert 1928: Alexander Fleming Almwroth Wright the collection 1900: 1915: Isolation of the very Schatz lead a systematic accidentally discovers isolates NCTC 160 Salmonella upon its founding first bacterial strain registered effort to screen soil penicillin. He returns from 1930s: NCTC introduces enterica subsp. enterica (NCTC 86). in the collection. NCTC 1 is bacteria for antimicrobial vacation and notices that a freeze-drying of samples serotype Typhi from the a strain of Shigella flexneri compounds. NCTC later culture plate left lying out to ensure longevity and 1890: German scientist spleen of a typhoid patient recovered from Private Ernst acquires the Streptomyces had become overgrown streamline storage and Robert Koch provides proof of during the Boer War. His Cable, a WWI soldier who griseus strain (NCTC 4523) with staphylococci colonies, shipment. germ theory by injecting pure wartime experiences later died from dysentery. It is from which they isolated except where mold was Our understanding of cultures of the Anthrax bacilli lead him to resistant to penicillin streptomycin. growing. He explores further 1887: Julius Petri invents into mice. persuade the microbiology has evolved and erythromycin after his former assistant the agar-coated glass dish armed forces to st even though it was 1 Merlin Price reminds him, for culturing bacteria; earlier produce 10 million enormously over the last isolated before “That’s how you discovered 1930s: Fritz Kauffman and attempts at culturing involved vaccine doses for the discovery of 1920: NCTC is lysozyme.” Over the next 20 Phillip White co-develop 150 years. Few institutions potato slices WWI troops in antibiotics. established to “provide years, Fleming deposits 16 a scheme for classifying and gelatin. northern France. have witnessed our a trustworthy source of samples with NCTC, salmonellae by serotype. authentic bacteria for including a sample collective progress more use in scientific studies.” of Haemophilus Frederick William influenza isolated closely than the National Andrewes deposits the from his own nose in Collection of Type Cultures first cultures. November 1935. (NCTC). In fact, the collection itself is a record of the many milestones microbiologists have arshalli M ng Scien 1941: Howard Florey and crossed, building on the 1977: Gilbert and Sanger ce fo A r Pub Ernest Chain begin mass T li independently develop c Health production of penicillin discoveries of those who G methods to determine the C with funds from the US CT 1969: Don Brenner and colleagues came before. exact sequence of DNA GT 1947: Edward Tatum and and British governments molecules. A establish DNA hybridization as a more reliable basis for classifying clinical Joshua Lederberg produce the after the bombing of Pearl isolates of Enterobacteriaceae. He 1961: NCTC curator Samuel first gene map ofE. coli K12 Harbor. By D-Day in 1944, NCTC begins a 10- uses the new method to replace Cowan and Kenneth Steel 1949: (NCTC 10538). Despite being enough penicillin has To date, 60% of NCTC’s year effort to characterize every type strains with more representative publish ‘Diagnostic Tables for one of the most intensively been produced to treat all organism in the collection. historic collection now has 1977: CDC researchers Joseph McDade and specimens and identify numerous new the Common Medical Bacteria’ studied organisms in the 20th wounded Allied Forces. Charles C. Shepard isolate Legionella microbial species, including Moellerella in the Journal of Hygiene. century, no one definitively a closed, finished reference pneumophilia (NCTC 11230 and wisconsensis (NCTC 12132), Leminorella Demand is so great the journal knows why it is called “K12”. genome, thanks to PacBio® 11192) as the bacterial pathogen grimontii (NCTC 12152), Enterobacter reprints and distributes them in behind the outbreak of a new asburiae (NCTC 12123), and Citrobacter pamphlet form. The work forms Single Molecule, Real- pulmonary disease at a convention in braakii (NCTC 13630). the basis of Cowan & Steel’s Philadelphia. Manual for the Identification 1953: Pioneering food 1947: NCTC focus shifts from 1942: Florey and Chain Time (SMRT®) Sequencing. of Medical Bacteria, first safety microbiologist a general microbial collection contribute three Bacillus published in 1965 and a bench- Betty Constance Hobbs to bacteria of medical or strains (NCTC 6431, 6432, We are excited to be top staple for years to come. publishes a study establishing veterinary interest. and 6474) thought to Clostridium perfringens as the produce ‘antibacterial their partner in crossing cause of many outbreaks of substances active against food poisoning. She eventually the Staphylococcus,’ this latest milestone on deposits more than 20 NCTC demonstrating the their quest to improve strains of bacteria associated researchers were even with food-borne illness. then seeking human and animal health antibiotics beyond by understanding the The Genom penicillin. microscopic world. ics Era 1981: The European Culture Collections’ 1987: The first automated 2003: Cornell Organization, of which DNA sequencing instrument, University scientists invented by Lloyd Smith, is led by Watt Webb 2011: PacBio ships its first commercial NCTC is a member, is SMRT Sequencing system, introducing established. commercialized by Applied and Harold Craighead Biosystems. publish the first report scientists to the long-read sequencing 2014: NCTC and Wellcome Sanger of using arrays of zero- platform that will ultimately become the gold Institute (WSI) launch a five-year mode waveguides standard for generating complete, closed project to sequence 3,000 bacterial for single-molecule microbial genomes. strains from the collection using PacBio 1982: Future Nobel Prize sequencing. winner Barry Marshall drinks The largest recorded outbreak of foodborne sequencing technology. a culture of the Helicobacter 1995: Craig Venter, Hamilton Smith, Claire hemolytic-uremic syndrome, eventually linked Sanger scientists pylori (NCTC 11638 and Fraser, and colleagues at TIGR elucidate to German-grown sprouts, occurs in Europe. publish the genome 11639) to prove his theory the first complete genome sequence of a The organism responsible, a Shiga toxic E. coli of NCTC 1, generated with SMRT that most microorganism, Haemophilus influenza, and (NCTC 13562). Sequencing, and compare it to other stomach submit the sequence to NCBI. S. flexneri isolates collected in 1954, 2018: NCTC scientists Sarah ulcers are 1984, and 2002. Alexander and Mohammed- caused by Abbas Fazal complete the bacteria. extraction of DNA from more www.pacb.com/microbe than 3000 NCTC species and samples are delivered to WSI for sequencing using PacBio technology. PN: INF103-061919.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Review Pili in Gram-Negative and Gram-Positive Bacteria – Structure
    Cell. Mol. Life Sci. 66 (2009) 613 – 635 1420-682X/09/040613-23 Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences DOI 10.1007/s00018-008-8477-4 Birkhuser Verlag, Basel, 2008 Review Pili in Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria – structure, assembly and their role in disease T. Profta,c,* and E. N. Bakerb,c a School of Medical Sciences, Department of Molecular Medicine & Pathology, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142 (New Zealand), Fax: +64-9-373-7492, e-mail: [email protected] b School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland (New Zealand) c Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, University of Auckland (New Zealand) Received 08 August 2008; received after revision 24 September 2008; accepted 01 October 2008 Online First 27 October 2008 Abstract. Many bacterial species possess long fila- special form of bacterial cell movement, known as mentous structures known as pili or fimbriae extend- twitching motility. In contrast, the more recently ing from their surfaces. Despite the diversity in pilus discovered pili in Gram-positive bacteria are formed structure and biogenesis, pili in Gram-negative bac- by covalent polymerization of pilin subunits in a teria are typically formed by non-covalent homopo- process that requires a dedicated sortase enzyme. lymerization of major pilus subunit proteins (pilins), Minor pilins are added to the fiber and play a major which generates the pilus shaft. Additional pilins may role in host cell colonization. be added to the fiber and often function as host cell This review gives an overview of the structure, adhesins. Some pili are also involved in biofilm assembly and function of the best-characterized pili formation, phage transduction, DNA uptake and a of both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria.
    [Show full text]
  • General Microbiology (11:680:390) Syllabus
    COURSE SYLLABUS General Microbiology - 11:680:390 COURSE OVERVIEW General Microbiology 11:680:390 Fall, Spring, Summer Meeting times TBD Meeting Location Lecture: Sychronous Lecture Hall Cook/Douglas and Wright Labs Busch Meeting Location Lab: Food Science 209 CONTACT INFORMATION: Course Coordinator: Dr. Ines Rauschenbach Office Location: Lipman Hall, Room 215 Phone: 848-932-5635 Email: [email protected] Office Hours: By Appointment COURSE WEBSITE, RESOURCES AND MATERIALS: • Canvas • Text: Madigan MT, Bender KS, Buckley DH, Sattley WM, Stahl DA. 2020. Brock Biology of Microorganisms. 16th edition. Pearson, New York, NY. • Lab Manual o The lab manual (departmental publication) will be available for free through RUCore. • Electronic Notebook o We will be sending you a link to LabArchives. You must sign up before the start of your first lab. COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course offers a comprehensive study of the field of microbiology to science majors. The course will give detailed insights into five major themes: Structure and function of microbes (cellular structures, metabolism, and growth);,microbial genetics, microbial ecology, microbial diversity (prokaryotes, eukaryotes, viruses) and clinical microbiology (immunity, pathogenicity, epidemiology, control of microbes, and diseases). The course is taught in the synchronous lecture halls on Cook/Douglass and Busch campuses. Students are expected to participate in active learning activities and participate in class discussion to deepen their understanding of the microbial world and apply their knowledge to various concepts. LEARNING GOALS: Learning Goals for General Microbiology Lecture: After completion of the lecture component of the course, successful students will: 1. Demonstrate an understanding of the structural similarities and differences among microbes and the unique structure/function relationships of prokaryotic cells.
    [Show full text]
  • October 24–26, 2021 2
    SCIENCE · INNOVATION · POLICIES WORLD HEALTH SUMMIT BERLIN, GERMANY & DIGITAL OCTOBER 24–26, 2021 2 “No-one is safe from COVID-19; “All countries have signed up to Universal no-one is safe until we are all Health Coverage by 2030. But we cannot safe from it. Even those who wait ten years. We need health systems conquer the virus within their that work, before we face an outbreak own borders remain prisoners of something more contagious than within these borders until it is COVID-19; more deadly; or both.” conquered everywhere.” ANTÓNIO GUTERRES Secretary-General, United Nations FRANK-WALTER STEINMEIER Federal President, Germany “We firmly believe that the “All pulling together—this must rights of women and girls be the hallmark of the European are not negotiable.” Health Union. I believe this can NATALIA KANEM be a test case for true global Executive Director, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) health compact. The need for leadership is clear and I believe the European Union must as- sume this responsibility.” “The lesson is clear: a strong health URSULA VON DER LEYEN system is a resilient health system. Health President, European Commission systems and preparedness are not only “Governments of countries an investment in the future, they are the that are doing well during foundation of our response today.” the pandemic have not TEDROS ADHANOM GHEBREYESUS Director-General, World Health Organization (WHO) only shown political leader- ship, but also have listened “If we don’t address the concerns and to scientists and followed fears we will not do ourselves a favor. their recommendations.” In the end, it is about how technology SOUMYA SWAMINATHAN Chief Scientist, World Health can be advanced as well as how Organization (WHO) we can make healthcare more human.” BERND MONTAG President and CEO, Siemens Healthineers AG, Germany “The pandemic has brought to light the “Academic collabo ration is importance of digital technologies and in place and is really a how it can radically bridging partnership.
    [Show full text]
  • Sir Charles Sherrington'sthe Integrative Action of the Nervous System: a Centenary Appreciation
    doi:10.1093/brain/awm022 Brain (2007), 130, 887^894 OCCASIONAL PAPER Sir Charles Sherrington’sThe integrative action of the nervous system: a centenary appreciation Robert E. Burke Formerly Chief of the Laboratory of Neural Control, National Institute of Neurological Disorders, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA Present address: P.O. Box 1722, El Prado, NM 87529,USA E-mail: [email protected] In 1906 Sir Charles Sherrington published The Integrative Action of the Nervous System, which was a collection of ten lectures delivered two years before at Yale University in the United States. In this monograph Sherrington summarized two decades of painstaking experimental observations and his incisive interpretation of them. It settled the then-current debate between the ‘‘Reticular Theory’’ versus ‘‘Neuron Doctrine’’ ideas about the fundamental nature of the nervous system in mammals in favor of the latter, and it changed forever the way in which subsequent generations have viewed the organization of the central nervous system. Sherrington’s magnum opus contains basic concepts and even terminology that are now second nature to every student of the subject. This brief article reviews the historical context in which the book was written, summarizes its content, and considers its impact on Neurology and Neuroscience. Keywords: Neuron Doctrine; spinal reflexes; reflex coordination; control of movement; nervous system organization Introduction The first decade of the 20th century saw two momentous The Silliman lectures events for science. The year 1905 was Albert Einstein’s Sherrington’s 1906 monograph, published simultaneously in ‘miraculous year’ during which three of his most celebrated London, New Haven and New York, was based on a series papers in theoretical physics appeared.
    [Show full text]
  • Laboratory Exercises in Microbiology: Discovering the Unseen World Through Hands-On Investigation
    City University of New York (CUNY) CUNY Academic Works Open Educational Resources Queensborough Community College 2016 Laboratory Exercises in Microbiology: Discovering the Unseen World Through Hands-On Investigation Joan Petersen CUNY Queensborough Community College Susan McLaughlin CUNY Queensborough Community College How does access to this work benefit ou?y Let us know! More information about this work at: https://academicworks.cuny.edu/qb_oers/16 Discover additional works at: https://academicworks.cuny.edu This work is made publicly available by the City University of New York (CUNY). Contact: [email protected] Laboratory Exercises in Microbiology: Discovering the Unseen World through Hands-On Investigation By Dr. Susan McLaughlin & Dr. Joan Petersen Queensborough Community College Laboratory Exercises in Microbiology: Discovering the Unseen World through Hands-On Investigation Table of Contents Preface………………………………………………………………………………………i Acknowledgments…………………………………………………………………………..ii Microbiology Lab Safety Instructions…………………………………………………...... iii Lab 1. Introduction to Microscopy and Diversity of Cell Types……………………......... 1 Lab 2. Introduction to Aseptic Techniques and Growth Media………………………...... 19 Lab 3. Preparation of Bacterial Smears and Introduction to Staining…………………...... 37 Lab 4. Acid fast and Endospore Staining……………………………………………......... 49 Lab 5. Metabolic Activities of Bacteria…………………………………………….…....... 59 Lab 6. Dichotomous Keys……………………………………………………………......... 77 Lab 7. The Effect of Physical Factors on Microbial Growth……………………………... 85 Lab 8. Chemical Control of Microbial Growth—Disinfectants and Antibiotics…………. 99 Lab 9. The Microbiology of Milk and Food………………………………………………. 111 Lab 10. The Eukaryotes………………………………………………………………........ 123 Lab 11. Clinical Microbiology I; Anaerobic pathogens; Vectors of Infectious Disease….. 141 Lab 12. Clinical Microbiology II—Immunology and the Biolog System………………… 153 Lab 13. Putting it all Together: Case Studies in Microbiology…………………………… 163 Appendix I.
    [Show full text]
  • Curriculum in Microbiology
    CURRICULUM IN BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES YEAR: 2009/2010 YEAR ENTERED SLU: NAME: W# MAJOR HOURS (41) C or Better* MATHEMATICS (8-9) SOCIAL SCIENCES (6) Core Requirements (21 hrs) MATH 161 3 (Anth,Econ,Geog,Gov,Psyc,Poli,Soc) GBIO 151 3 (ACT< 21 MATH 155 – 5hrs) ________________3_________ BIOL 152 1 MATH 162 3 ________________3_________ GBIO 153 3 MATH 163 3 BIOL 154 1 MIC 205 3 or MATH 165 and 200 MICL 207 1 MATH 165 3 GBIO 200 3 MATH 200 5 GBIO 312 3 PHYSICS (8) GBIO 241 _____ 1______ PHYS 191 3 GBIO 341______1______ PLAB 193 1 GBIO 441** 1 ENGLISH (12) PHYS 192 3 ENGL 101 PLAB 194 1 Upper-level Courses (20 hrs) page 2 or 121H 3 ENGL 102 (300/400) or 122H 3 ______ ENGL 230 or 231 or 232 (300/400) 3 ______ ENGL 322 3 (300/400) ______ (300/400) ______ OTHER (10-13) (300/400) FOR. LANGUAGES (12) ART ELECTIVE (Mus,Art,Dnc,Thea) 101 3 3 CHEMISTRY (16) 102 3 LS 102 1 CHEM 121 3 201 3 COMM211 3 CLAB 123 1 202 3 HIST 3 CHEM 122 3 SE 101 0/3 CLAB 124 1 OTHER ELECTIVES (8) CHEM 265 or 261 ___3____ _____________________ CLAB 267 or 263 ___1_____ CHEM 266 or 281 ___3 _____________________ CLAB 268 or 283 ___1_______ TOTAL HOURS 121-125 *Grade of “C” or better in all Biology courses is required in order for the course to count towards the B.S. degree in Biological Sciences **GBIO 441 fulfills requirement for computer literacy ADDITIONAL COURSES: AVERAGES HA HE QP Average CUM: (Adj) MAJOR (Adj) SLU: (Adj) CURRICULUM in BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES I.
    [Show full text]
  • Metchnikoff and the Phagocytosis Theory
    PERSPECTIVES TIMELINE Metchnikoff and the phagocytosis theory Alfred I. Tauber Metchnikoff’s phagocytosis theory was less century. Indeed, the clonal selection theory and an explanation of host defence than a the elucidation of the molecular biology of the proposal that might account for establishing immune response count among the great and maintaining organismal ‘harmony’. By advances in biology during our own era5. tracing the phagocyte’s various functions Metchnikoff has been assigned to the wine cel- Figure 1 | Ilya Metchnikoff, at ~45 years of through phylogeny, he recognized that eating lar of history, to be pulled out on occasion and age. This figure is reproduced from REF. 14. the tadpole’s tail and killing bacteria was the celebrated as an old hero. same fundamental process: preserving the However, to cite Metchnikoff only as a con- integrity, and, in some cases, defining the tributor to early immunology distorts his sem- launched him into the turbulent waters of evo- identity of the organism. inal contributions to a much wider domain. lutionary biology. He wrote his dissertation on He recognized that the development and func- the development of invertebrate germ layers, I first encountered the work of Ilya tion of the individual organism required an for which he shared the prestigious van Baer Metchnikoff (1845–1916; FIG. 1) in Paul de understanding of physiology in an evolution- Prize with Alexander Kovalevski. By the age of Kruif’s classic, The Microbe Hunters 1.Who ary context. The crucial precept: the organism 22 years, he was appointed to the position of would not be struck by the description of this was composed of various elements, each vying docent at the new University of Odessa, where, fiery Russian championing his theory of for dominance.
    [Show full text]
  • History and Scope of Microbiology the Story of Invisible Organisms
    A study material for M.Sc. Biochemistry (Semester: IV) Students on the topic (EC-1; Unit I) History and Scope of Microbiology The story of invisible organisms Dr. Reena Mohanka Professor & Head Department of Biochemistry Patna University Mob. No.:- +91-9334088879 E. Mail: [email protected] MICROBIOLOGY 1. WHAT IS A MICROBIOLOGY? Micro means very small and biology is the study of living things, so microbiology is the study of very small living things normally too small that are usually unable to be viewed with the naked eye. Need a microscope to see them Virus - 10 →1000 nanometers Bacteria - 0.1 → 5 micrometers (Human eye ) can see 0.1 mm to 1 mm Microbiology has become an umbrella term that encompasses many sub disciplines or fields of study. These include: - Bacteriology: The study of bacteria - Mycology: Fungi - Protozoology: Protozoa - Phycology: Algae - Parasitology: Parasites - Virology: Viruses WHAT IS THE NEED TO STUDY MICROBIOLOGY • Genetic engineering • Recycling sewage • Bioremediation: use microbes to remove toxins (oil spills) • Use of microbes to control crop pests • Maintain balance of environment (microbial ecology) • Basis of food chain • Nitrogen fixation • Manufacture of food and drink • Photosynthesis: Microbes are involved in photosynthesis and accounts for >50% of earth’s oxygen History of Microbiology Anton van Leeuwenhoek (1632-1723) (Dutch Scientist) • The credit of discovery of microbial world goes to Anton van Leeuwenhoek. He made careful observations of microscopic organisms, which he called animalcules (1670s). • Antoni van Leeuwenhoek described live microorganisms that he observed in teeth scrapings and rain water. • Major contributions to the development of microbiology was the invention of the microscope (50-300X magnification) by Anton von Leuwenhoek and the implementation of the scientific method.
    [Show full text]
  • Cell Structure and Function in the Bacteria and Archaea
    4 Chapter Preview and Key Concepts 4.1 1.1 DiversityThe Beginnings among theof Microbiology Bacteria and Archaea 1.1. •The BacteriaThe are discovery classified of microorganismsinto several Cell Structure wasmajor dependent phyla. on observations made with 2. theThe microscope Archaea are currently classified into two 2. •major phyla.The emergence of experimental 4.2 Cellscience Shapes provided and Arrangements a means to test long held and Function beliefs and resolve controversies 3. Many bacterial cells have a rod, spherical, or 3. MicroInquiryspiral shape and1: Experimentation are organized into and a specific Scientificellular c arrangement. Inquiry in the Bacteria 4.31.2 AnMicroorganisms Overview to Bacterialand Disease and Transmission Archaeal 4.Cell • StructureEarly epidemiology studies suggested how diseases could be spread and 4. Bacterial and archaeal cells are organized at be controlled the cellular and molecular levels. 5. • Resistance to a disease can come and Archaea 4.4 External Cell Structures from exposure to and recovery from a mild 5.form Pili allowof (or cells a very to attach similar) to surfacesdisease or other cells. 1.3 The Classical Golden Age of Microbiology 6. Flagella provide motility. Our planet has always been in the “Age of Bacteria,” ever since the first 6. (1854-1914) 7. A glycocalyx protects against desiccation, fossils—bacteria of course—were entombed in rocks more than 3 billion 7. • The germ theory was based on the attaches cells to surfaces, and helps observations that different microorganisms years ago. On any possible, reasonable criterion, bacteria are—and always pathogens evade the immune system. have been—the dominant forms of life on Earth.
    [Show full text]
  • History of the Department of Microbiology 1868 – 2009
    June 2015 HISTORY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF MICROBIOLOGY 1868 – 2009 University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign 1 A HISTORY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF MICROBIOLOGY 1868 – 2009 This 141 year history of the Department of Microbiology includes an article (Chapter 1), written and published in 1959 by the Department, which covers the period 1868 to 1959. I joined the Department in 1953, and my recounting of the Department’s history includes personal observations as well as anecdotes told to me by H. O. Halvorson and others. Later I realized what a unique experience it had been to join a first-class department, and I resolved to play a role in maintaining its research stature. Ralph Wolfe 2 Department of Microbiology History of the Headship: 1950 – 1959 Halvor Halvorson 1960 – 1963 Kim Atwood 1963 – 1972 Leon Campbell 1972 – 1982 Ralph DeMoss 1982 – 1987 Samuel Kaplan 1987 – 1990 Jordan Konisky 1990 – 1991 Ralph Wolfe (Acting Head) 1991 – 1997 Charles Miller 1997 – 2002 John Cronan 2003 – 2004 Jeffrey Gardner (Acting Head) 2005 – Present John Cronan 3 Organization of the History of the Department In Chapters 2 to 6 the data are divided into Academic Decades, each containing the following sections: Section I, an overview of the decade; Section II, some events for each year of the decade; Section III, a summary of the research interests, honors received, publications, and invited off-campus lectures or seminars for each faculty member. These data have been obtained from the annual reports of the faculty submitted to the departmental secretary. 4 CHAPTER 1 1868 – 1959 During this time period the name of the Department was Department of Bacteriology (Anecdotes by Ralph Wolfe) A SHORT HISTORY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF BACTERIOLOGY H.
    [Show full text]
  • Emil Von Behring (1854–1917) the German Bacteriologist
    Emil von Behring (1854–1917) The German bacteriologist and Nobel Prize winner Emil von Behring ranks among the most important medical scientists. Behring was born in Hansdorff, West Prussia, as the son of a teacher in 1854. He grew up in narrow circumstances among eleven brothers and sisters. His desire to study medicine could only be realized by fulfilling the obligation to work as an military doctor for a longer period of time. Between 1874 and 1878 he studied medicine at the Akademie für das militärärztliche Bildungswesen in Berlin. In 1890, after having published his paper Ueber das Zustandekommen der Diphtherie- Immunität und der Tetanus-Immunität bei Thieren, he captured his scientific breakthrough. While having worked as Robert Koch’s scientific assistant at the Berlin Hygienic Institute he had been able to show – together with his Japanese colleague Shibasaburo Kitasato (1852–1931) – via experimentation on animal that it was possible to neutralize pathogenic germs by giving „antitoxins“. Behring demonstrated that the antitoxic qualities of blood are not seated in cells, but in the cell-free serum. Antitoxins recovered of human convalenscents or laboratorty animals, prove themselves as life-saving when being applied to diseased humans. At last – due to Behring’s discovery of the body’s own immune defence and due to his development of serotherapy against diphtheria and tetanus – a remedy existed which was able to combat via antitoxin those infectious diseases which had already broken out. Having developped a serum therapy against diphtheria and tetanus Behring won the first Nobel Prize in Medicine in 1901. Six years before, in 1895, he had become professor of Hygienics within the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Marburg, a position he would hold for the rest of his life.
    [Show full text]
  • ABSA General Microbiology Fact Sheets
    GENERAL MICROBIOLOGY FACT SHEET Signs & Pathogen Genus species Disease Risk Group Host Range Transmission Symptoms Incubation Fact Micrograph Bacteria Actinomcyces spp. Actinomycosis Humans, cattle, Person-to-person by contact of Opportunistic pathogen. Chronic bacterial variable - days to months. Fatality rate of 5-20% if untreated. Opportuinistic Actinomyces israelii horses mouth, aerosols, fomites. disease localized in jaw, thorax, or pathogen. abdomen. Characterized by persistent swelling, suppuration and formation of 2 abscesses or granulomas. Bacteria Bacillus cereus Food Poisoning Humans Ingestion of foods kept at Opportunistic pathogen; intoxication 1-6 hours, average 4 hours; Infectious dose is greater than 10e6 organisms by ambient conditions after characterized by two forms: an emetic form diarrheal form 6-24 hours ingestion (>10e5 organisms/g of food). cooking; emetic form frequently with severe nausea and vomiting and a (average 17 hours) associated with cooked rice. diarrheal form with abdominal cramps and 2 Not communicable from person diarrhea. Usually mild and self-limiting (24 to person. hrs). Bacteria Bordetella pertussis Whooping Cough Humans Direct contact with discharges Stage 1: Catarrhal: Irritating cough, lasts 1 6-20 days Common in children worldwide; pertussis is among the from respiratory mucous to 2 weeks; Stage 2: Paroxysmal; violent most lethal infant diseases- membranes of infected persons coughs followed by a high pitched Treatment with dTaP(acellular pertussis vaccine, a by the airborne route. inspiratory whoop, lasts 2 to 6 weeks; preventive vaccine) is now available for adults 2 Stage 3: Convalescent; the cough gradually decreases in frequency and severity, lasts several weeks Bacteria Brucella melitensis Brucellosis Humans, swine, Skin or mucous membrane High and protracted (extended) fever.
    [Show full text]