Robert Koch: centenary of the discovery of the tubercle bacillus, 1882.

Abstract

This is an account of the life and work of Robert Koch (1843-1910), Nobel Laureate in Medicine and a founder of the science of bacteriology. In particular, Koch's researches into tuberculosis are described-the discovery of the tubercle bacillus, the controversy regarding the human and bovine types, the Koch phenomenon, and the introduction of tuberculin, which proved to be ineffective as a cure but became important as a diagnostic tool in the management of tuberculosis. By his achievements in this field, Koch may be considered to be the father of the scientific study of tuberculosis. On the occasion of the centenary of Koch's discovery of the tubercle bacillus in 1882, we pay tribute to this great German master of medicine.

Tuberculous Otitis Media: A Prospective Study

“…One of the greatest otologist of 19th century politzer who described otosclerosis, secretory otitis media, labyrinthitis, congenital deafness, intracranial complications of otitis, and atelectasis of the ear for the first time also describe the clinical features of tuberculous otitis media fairly accurately in 1882 [19] . It is only 1 decade after politzer described the features of tuberculous otitis media that the legendary microbiologist Robert koch demonstrated mycobacterium tuberculosis [20] . Primary tuberculosis of the ear is very rare.…”

Immune Responses Against Mycobacterium

“…Robert Koch identified Mtb as a causative agent of TB at 1882 (Sakula, 1983). Since then, TB has been one of the most important infectious diseases for human being.…”

Founder of Modern Bacteriology: Robert Koch

“…In 1893, he married a young actress Hedwig Freiburg. 1,2 In 1971, he served the German Army as a surgeon in the Franco-Prussian war and later on worked as a physician in Wolstein, Poland. In 1972, after discharge from the army, Koch became district medical officer for a rural area near Berlin.…”