Question

Review what you have learned about the following historical figures in infectious disease:

• Ignaz Semmelweis
• Joseph Lister
• Louis Pasteur
• Edward Jenner
• Florence Nightingale

For your first post, research one of these historical figures and describe his/her role in the evolution of infectious disease epidemiology and infectious disease management.

Answer 1

1. Ignaz Semmelweis was saviour of mothers. He discovered that the use of hand disinfectants reduces child bed fever drastically.

2.Joseph Lister was the pioneer of antiseptic practices. He promoted use of Carbolic acid for sterilizing the surgical instruments and also for cleaning wounds.

3. Louis Pasteur has discovered fermentation, Pasteurization and principles of vaccination.

4. Edward Jenner discovered vaccination.

5.Florence Nightingale is the founder of modern nursing.

Edward Jenner---

He is considered the pioneer of immunization. He was the first person to develop a vaccine for small pox. In his times, small pox killed 10% of British population. Jenner observed that the milk maids generally do not suffer from small pox because they suffer from the milder form called cow pox which they acquire from cows. Jenner hypothesized that the pus which the milk maids get from suffering cow pox protect the maids from small pox. He tested his hypothesis by inoculating James Phipp an 8 year old boy. He suffered mild discomfort but did not get fully blown disease. later inoculating him with actual small pox virus, he does not suffer from the disease. Jenner continued inoculating many in the same manner and protected the lives of many in his times. Later on, number of vaccinations were developed by different scientists.

This way he is the pioneer in the development of the process of vaccination.