Elizabeth O. King

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Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), outside view.

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Elizabeth O. King was a pioneering American microbiologist known for her discovery of the bacterium Lactobacillus casei subsp. rhamnosus, which was later named Lactobacillus rhamnosus in her honor. Her work has had a significant impact on the fields of microbiology, immunology, and probiotics, contributing to the understanding of the beneficial effects of certain bacteria on human health.

Early Life and Education

Elizabeth O. King was born in the early 20th century in the United States. Details about her early life, including her birth date and place, are not widely documented. She pursued her higher education in the sciences, focusing on microbiology, a field that was gaining prominence during her time.

Career and Research

King's career was marked by her dedication to the study of bacteria and their roles in human health and disease. She worked at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for a significant part of her career, where she was involved in identifying and classifying various bacterial species.

One of her most notable contributions was the isolation and identification of Lactobacillus casei subsp. rhamnosus. This bacterium is now widely recognized for its probiotic properties, including its ability to survive in the acidic environment of the stomach and its beneficial effects on the intestinal flora and the immune system. King's research laid the groundwork for the development of probiotic supplements and foods that aim to improve gut health and immunity.

Legacy

Elizabeth O. King's contributions to microbiology and her pioneering work in the study of probiotics have left a lasting legacy in the scientific community. Her work has paved the way for further research into the beneficial effects of probiotics on human health, including their potential role in treating and preventing various diseases.

The bacterium Lactobacillus rhamnosus, named in her honor, serves as a testament to her significant contributions to the field. Today, it is one of the most widely studied probiotic strains, with numerous studies investigating its health benefits.

See Also

• Microbiology
• Probiotics
• Lactobacillus
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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