Albert Kapikian

Bishop,Flewett,Kapikian

Albert Z. Kapikian (1930 – February 24, 2014) was a pioneering virologist renowned for his discovery of the Norwalk virus, the first virus ever identified as causing human gastroenteritis. His groundbreaking work laid the foundation for the field of viral gastroenteritis research and has had a profound impact on public health, leading to the development of vaccines and improved diagnostic methods.

Early Life and Education

Albert Kapikian was born in 1930. He pursued his higher education in the field of microbiology, earning his Bachelor's degree from the University of Pennsylvania. He furthered his studies at George Washington University, where he obtained his M.D. degree. Kapikian's interest in virology was sparked during his time at George Washington University, setting the stage for his future contributions to the field.

Career and Research

After completing his education, Kapikian joined the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in 1962, where he spent the entirety of his career. His early work at NIH involved research on rotaviruses, another significant cause of diarrhea in children. However, it was his discovery of the Norwalk virus in 1972 that marked a milestone in the study of infectious diseases.

Kapikian's approach to identifying the Norwalk virus was innovative. Using electron microscopy, he was able to visualize the virus in stool samples from affected individuals, a technique that was groundbreaking at the time. This discovery not only identified the first virus causing gastroenteritis in humans but also opened the door for the identification of numerous other noroviruses and their role in human disease.

Throughout his career, Kapikian focused on the development of vaccines to prevent viral gastroenteritis. His efforts were instrumental in the development of the first licensed vaccine against rotavirus, which is credited with saving the lives of countless children worldwide.

Legacy

Albert Kapikian's contributions to virology and public health are immense. He is remembered not only for his discovery of the Norwalk virus but also for his dedication to vaccine development and his mentorship of future scientists in the field. Kapikian received numerous awards and honors throughout his career, reflecting his impact on the scientific community and public health.

Death

Albert Z. Kapikian passed away on February 24, 2014. His death was a significant loss to the field of virology and to all those who benefited from his work.

See Also

• Virology
• Gastroenteritis
• Norovirus
• Rotavirus
• Vaccine