Germ theory
Germ Theory
Germ theory (pronunciation: /dʒɜːrm θɪəri/) is a fundamental tenet of modern medicine and microbiology that proposes that microorganisms are the cause of many diseases. The theory was developed and gained gradual acceptance in Europe and North America from the mid-19th to early 20th century. It eventually supplanted earlier ideas such as miasma theory and humoral theory that had dominated medical thinking for centuries.
Etymology
The term "germ theory" is derived from the Latin word "germen", meaning sprout, bud, or offshoot. In the context of disease, it refers to something that gives rise to a pathological condition or disease.
History
The germ theory was proposed by Girolamo Fracastoro in 1546, but it was not widely accepted until Louis Pasteur and Robert Koch provided convincing evidence in the 19th century. Pasteur's experiments demonstrated the role of bacteria in fermentation and spoilage, while Koch's postulates established a set of criteria to prove that a specific germ causes a specific disease.
Related Terms
- Microorganism: A microscopic organism, especially a bacterium, virus, or fungus.
- Pathogen: A bacterium, virus, or other microorganism that can cause disease.
- Infection: The process by which bacteria, viruses, and other germs enter the body and cause disease.
- Disease: A particular abnormal condition that negatively affects the structure or function of all or part of an organism.
- Epidemiology: The study and analysis of the distribution, patterns and determinants of health and disease conditions in defined populations.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Germ theory
- Wikipedia's article - Germ theory
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