Microbiology Chronicles

Infections likely exacted a heavy toll on our ancestors that led to the ongoing quest of humankind to understand the fundamental basis of life.

The inception of microbiology goes back to 1500 BC when Vedas written by Indian sages had predicted the role of microorganisms known as krimi or jeevanu.

Microbiology has an extensive and rich history on the causes of infectious diseases. Many scientists have contributed over the years but the golden age of microbiology began in 1857 with the work of Louis Pasteur and Robert Koch. This period was a witness of significant historical events that gave rise to fields of microbiology, immunology and infectious diseases. Those unparalleled discoveries and techniques are still used in modern microbiology.

Let us go through the journey of microbiology and some of the important discoveries that changed the fate of the human race.

References

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5. Kuhad, U., Goel, G., Maurya, P.K. et al. Sukshmjeevanu in Vedas: The Forgotten Past of Microbiology in Indian Vedic Knowledge. Indian J Microbiol 2021; 61(1): 108–110. 

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