Anthony Epstein

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Anthony Epstein





BornMay 18, 1921
Birth placeLondon, England
NationalityBritish
Known forDiscovery of Epstein-Barr virus
AwardsRoyal Medal, Copley Medal



Anthony Epstein (born May 18, 1921) is a renowned British virologist best known for his pivotal role in the discovery of the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a virus that is associated with several human diseases, including infectious mononucleosis and certain types of cancer.

Early Life and Education[edit | edit source]

Anthony Epstein was born in London, England. He pursued his undergraduate studies at the University of Cambridge, where he developed a keen interest in the field of virology. After completing his degree, he continued his education and research, focusing on the study of viruses and their impact on human health.

Career and Research[edit | edit source]

Epstein's career in virology began at the University of Bristol, where he worked on various viral infections. His most significant contribution to science came in the early 1960s when he, along with his colleagues Yvonne Barr and Bert Achong, discovered the Epstein-Barr virus. This discovery was groundbreaking as it was the first virus identified to be associated with human cancer, specifically Burkitt's lymphoma.

The discovery of EBV was made possible through the examination of cell lines derived from Burkitt's lymphoma tumors. Epstein and his team were able to identify viral particles in these cells, leading to the identification of the virus that now bears his name.

Impact and Legacy[edit | edit source]

The discovery of the Epstein-Barr virus has had a profound impact on the field of virology and oncology. It opened new avenues for research into the viral causes of cancer and has led to a better understanding of the role viruses play in human diseases. Epstein's work has been recognized with numerous awards, including the prestigious Royal Medal and the Copley Medal.

Later Life[edit | edit source]

After his groundbreaking work on EBV, Epstein continued to contribute to the field of virology through research and teaching. He held positions at various institutions, including the University of Oxford, where he mentored the next generation of scientists.

Also see[edit | edit source]

WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD