Alfred François Donné

Alfred François Donné

Portrait of Alfred François Donné

Born	13 September 1801
Birth place	Noyon, France
Died	7 March 1878
Place of death	Paris, France
Nationality	French
Known for	Discovery of Trichomonas vaginalis, Photomicrography

Alfred François Donné (13 September 1801 – 7 March 1878) was a pioneering French bacteriologist and physician, known for his discovery of Trichomonas vaginalis and his contributions to the development of photomicrography.

Early Life and Education

Alfred Donné was born in Noyon, France. He pursued his medical studies in Paris, where he developed a keen interest in microscopy and the emerging field of microbiology.

Career and Discoveries

Donné began his career as a physician in Paris, where he worked at the Hôpital Saint-Louis. His work in the hospital's laboratory led to significant discoveries in the field of microbiology.

Discovery of Trichomonas vaginalis

In 1836, Donné discovered Trichomonas vaginalis, a protozoan parasite that causes trichomoniasis, a common sexually transmitted infection. This discovery was significant as it was one of the first protozoan parasites identified in humans.

Photomicrography

Donné was also a pioneer in the field of photomicrography, the process of taking photographs through a microscope. In 1839, he collaborated with Louis Daguerre, the inventor of the daguerreotype, to produce some of the earliest photomicrographs. This innovation allowed for the detailed study and documentation of microscopic organisms and structures.

Contributions to Medicine

Donné's work extended beyond microbiology. He was involved in the study of leukemia, and he was one of the first to describe the presence of abnormal white blood cells in the blood of affected patients. His observations laid the groundwork for future research into blood disorders.

Legacy

Alfred Donné's contributions to microbiology and medicine have had a lasting impact. His discovery of Trichomonas vaginalis remains a cornerstone in the study of sexually transmitted infections, and his advancements in photomicrography paved the way for modern microscopic imaging techniques.

Also see

• Microbiology
• Trichomoniasis
• Photomicrography
• Louis Daguerre
• History of microscopy