Herbert Durham

British bacteriologist and pathologist

Herbert Edward Durham

Herbert Edward Durham (30 March 1866 – 25 August 1945) was a British bacteriologist and pathologist known for his contributions to the study of infectious diseases, particularly in the field of tropical medicine. His work on yellow fever and dengue fever was instrumental in advancing the understanding of these diseases.

Early Life and Education

Herbert Durham was born in London, England, in 1866. He was educated at University College School and later attended Trinity College, Cambridge, where he studied natural sciences. Durham graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1888 and subsequently pursued medical studies at St Thomas's Hospital, qualifying as a doctor in 1893.

Career

Durham's early career was marked by his work at the Lister Institute of Preventive Medicine, where he conducted research on various infectious diseases. He was particularly interested in the transmission and prevention of diseases prevalent in tropical regions.

Research on Yellow Fever

In the early 20th century, Durham traveled to South America to study yellow fever, a disease that was causing significant mortality in the region. He collaborated with other scientists to investigate the role of mosquitoes in the transmission of the disease. His research contributed to the understanding that yellow fever is transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, a discovery that was crucial for the development of control measures.

Dengue Fever Studies

Durham also conducted pioneering research on dengue fever, another mosquito-borne disease. He was among the first to describe the clinical features of dengue and to suggest methods for its prevention. His work laid the groundwork for future studies on the epidemiology and control of dengue fever.

Later Life and Legacy

After his extensive fieldwork, Durham returned to England, where he continued his research and teaching. He was a respected figure in the field of tropical medicine and contributed to several scientific publications. Durham's work had a lasting impact on the understanding and management of tropical diseases.

Herbert Durham passed away in 1945, leaving behind a legacy of scientific inquiry and discovery that continues to influence the field of infectious disease research.

Related Pages

• Yellow fever
• Dengue fever
• Aedes aegypti
• Tropical medicine