Medicine - Germ Theory Flashcards
What were ideas about what caused disease before Germ Theory?
Punishment from God, Miasma, Spontaneous Generation
What is Spontaneous Generation?
The idea that microorganisms grow out of non-living matter
What was Pasteur’s Germ theory?
That disease was caused by the contamination of invisible microorganisms
What was a problem with Pasteur’s Germ theory?
He could not identify what microbes caused disease which meant he could not prevent it.
Why was there opposition?
Many doctors believed in Spontaneous Generation and although Pasteur disproved this they refused to believe him as they could not see microbes.
Why would Pasteur’s theory be seen as a major milestone?
Because it led to safer surgery, targeted vaccinations and more effective medicines
How did Lister help develop Germ theory?
After reading Pasteur’s work, he figured that microbes were also causing infections on his surgical patients. He adopted his theory which meant mortality rates fell in hospitals which used his antiseptic technique. He gave confirmation that Pasteur’s theory worked.
How did Koch help develop Germ theory?
He identified the specific microbes which caused disease by creating a dye. Leading to targeted vaccinations.
How did Tyndall help prove Germ theory?
He coated walls of box with sticky substance to remove microbes from the air and then he placed meat inside the box and the meat did not go off
What decreases the significance of Louis Pasteur’s discovery?
The fact that his theory was adopted by many other individuals before it had a significant impact.
