Germ Theory Of Disease

Question 1

Explain Girolamo Fracastro’s general theory of contagion

Answer 1

This theory proposed that disease is spead through small particles known as ‘seminaria’ - transmitted through the air. His worked mainly focused of syphilis

Question 2

Describe L. Pasteur’s contribution to the Germ Theory of Disease

Answer 2

• He explained that fermentation and putrefraction were due to living agent, and that similar agents caused disease
• Disproved the idea of spontaneous generation

Question 3

Describe the contribution of R. Koch to the Germ Theory of Disease

Answer 3

• Isolated bacteria and grew them in culture
• Developed postulates -> criteria to define the relationship between microorganisms and disease
• Identified the causative agents of Tuberculosis, Cholera, Diptheria and Tetanus

Question 4

What was Jacob Henle’s contribution to the Germ Theory of Disease?

Answer 4

He attributed contagion to microorganisms with a life of their own living in a parasitic relationship with the body