Herbert Durham

Herbert Edward Durham Wellcome M0018142

Herbert Edward Durham (1866–1945) was a British bacteriologist and pathologist known for his significant contributions to the field of tropical medicine. He is particularly noted for his work on the transmission of yellow fever and malaria.

Early Life and Education

Herbert Durham was born in 1866. He pursued his medical education at University of Cambridge, where he developed an interest in bacteriology and pathology. He later continued his studies at the University of London.

Career

Durham's career was marked by his extensive research in tropical diseases. He worked closely with other prominent scientists of his time, including Ronald Ross and Patrick Manson. Durham's research primarily focused on the transmission mechanisms of yellow fever and malaria, diseases that were major public health concerns in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Yellow Fever Research

Durham conducted pioneering studies on yellow fever, a viral disease transmitted by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. His work helped to establish the role of mosquitoes in the transmission of the disease, which was a significant breakthrough in understanding and controlling yellow fever outbreaks.

Malaria Research

In addition to his work on yellow fever, Durham also made important contributions to the study of malaria. He investigated the life cycle of the Plasmodium parasite and its transmission by Anopheles mosquitoes. His research provided valuable insights into the prevention and treatment of malaria.

Legacy

Herbert Durham's contributions to tropical medicine have had a lasting impact on the field. His work laid the foundation for further research into the transmission and control of vector-borne diseases. Durham's findings have been instrumental in the development of public health strategies to combat yellow fever and malaria.

See Also

• Tropical medicine
• Yellow fever
• Malaria
• Ronald Ross
• Patrick Manson