Bernice Eddy

Bernice Eddy

Born	1903
Died	1989
Nationality	American
Known for	Discovery of SV40 virus contamination in polio vaccines

Bernice Eddy (1903–1989) was an American virologist and bacteriologist known for her significant contributions to the field of vaccine safety. Her work at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) led to the discovery of the SV40 virus contamination in polio vaccines, which had profound implications for public health and vaccine development.

Early Life and Education

Bernice Eddy was born in 1903. She pursued her higher education at the University of Cincinnati, where she earned her degree in bacteriology. Her academic background laid the foundation for her future work in virology and vaccine research.

Career

Eddy joined the National Institutes of Health in the 1930s, where she initially worked on developing influenza vaccines. Her meticulous research and attention to detail were instrumental in advancing the understanding of viral infections and vaccine safety.

Discovery of SV40

In the late 1950s, while working on the polio vaccine, Eddy discovered that some batches of the vaccine were contaminated with a virus later identified as SV40. This virus was found to cause tumors in laboratory animals, raising concerns about its potential impact on humans. Eddy's findings were initially met with skepticism, but subsequent research confirmed the presence of SV40 in polio vaccines, leading to changes in vaccine production processes to ensure safety.

Impact and Legacy

Bernice Eddy's work had a lasting impact on the field of virology and vaccine safety. Her discovery of SV40 contamination highlighted the importance of rigorous testing and quality control in vaccine production. Eddy's dedication to scientific integrity and public health safety set a standard for future research and development in the field.

Also see

• SV40
• Polio vaccine
• Virology
• National Institutes of Health