Bert Achong
Bert Achong | |
|---|---|
| Born | 6 December 1928 Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago |
| Died | 20 November 1996 London, England |
| Nationality | British |
| Known for | Discovery of the Epstein-Barr virus |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Virology |
Bert Geoffrey Achong (6 December 1928 – 20 November 1996) was a Trinidadian-born British virologist and pathologist, best known for his role in the discovery of the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), the first virus known to cause cancer in humans.
Early Life and Education[edit | edit source]
Bert Achong was born in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. He moved to the United Kingdom to pursue higher education, where he attended University College London and obtained his medical degree. Achong later specialized in pathology and virology, fields in which he would make significant contributions.
Career and Research[edit | edit source]
Achong began his career in the field of pathology, working at various hospitals in London. His most notable work was conducted at the Middlesex Hospital Medical School, where he collaborated with Michael Anthony Epstein and Yvonne Barr.
In 1964, Achong, along with Epstein and Barr, discovered the Epstein-Barr virus, a groundbreaking finding that linked a virus to cancer for the first time. The virus was identified in cells from a Burkitt's lymphoma tumor, a type of cancer common in children in Africa. This discovery was pivotal in the field of oncovirology, the study of viruses that cause cancer.
Legacy[edit | edit source]
Bert Achong's work has had a lasting impact on medical research, particularly in understanding the viral causes of cancer. The discovery of the Epstein-Barr virus opened new avenues for research into viral oncology and has led to significant advancements in the diagnosis and treatment of virus-related cancers.
Personal Life[edit | edit source]
Achong was known for his dedication to his work and his passion for teaching. He was a mentor to many young scientists and medical students, inspiring a new generation of researchers in the field of virology.
Also see[edit | edit source]
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