Louis Pasteur

Definition

Louis Pasteur was a pioneering French microbiologist renowned for developing the principles of vaccination, microbial fermentation, and pasteurization. His work laid the foundation for immunology and the development of vaccines.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Louis Pasteur developed the first rabies vaccine in 1885.
2. He introduced the concept of attenuated vaccines, which use weakened forms of pathogens to stimulate immunity.
3. Pasteur's experiments disproved the theory of spontaneous generation, proving that microorganisms cause disease.
4. He created the anthrax vaccine, which was one of his earliest successes in veterinary medicine.
5. Pasteur's work led to the development of germ theory, fundamentally changing medical practices and leading to better sanitary conditions.

Review Questions

• What significant contribution did Louis Pasteur make to vaccine development?
• How did Pasteur's work disprove spontaneous generation?
• Name two diseases for which Louis Pasteur developed vaccines.

Related terms

Edward Jenner:

Developed the first successful smallpox vaccine using cowpox material.

Attenuated Vaccine: A type of vaccine created by reducing the virulence of a pathogen but still keeping it viable.

Germ Theory:

The scientific theory that microorganisms are the cause of many diseases.