Hugo Carl Plaut

German bacteriologist

Hugo Carl Plaut in 1920

Hugo Carl Plaut (1858–1928) was a notable German bacteriologist known for his contributions to the study of infectious diseases and his work on the bacteriology of the oral cavity. His research significantly advanced the understanding of bacterial infections and their impact on human health.

Early Life and Education

Hugo Carl Plaut was born on 1 August 1858 in Leipzig, Kingdom of Saxony, which was part of the German Empire. He pursued his medical education at the University of Leipzig, where he developed a keen interest in microbiology and infectious diseases. Plaut completed his medical degree in 1883, after which he embarked on a career in medical research.

Career and Research

Plaut's early work focused on the study of diphtheria, a serious bacterial infection affecting the mucous membranes of the throat and nose. He was instrumental in identifying the Corynebacterium diphtheriae, the bacterium responsible for the disease. His research contributed to the development of effective treatments and preventive measures against diphtheria.

In addition to his work on diphtheria, Plaut conducted extensive research on the bacteriology of the oral cavity. He identified several bacterial species that inhabit the mouth and are associated with oral diseases. His studies laid the groundwork for modern dental microbiology and improved the understanding of the role of bacteria in oral health.

Plaut-Vincent Angina

One of Plaut's most significant contributions was his work on Vincent's angina, a painful infection of the throat characterized by ulceration and the presence of a fusiform bacillus and spirochetes. This condition is also known as Plaut-Vincent angina in recognition of his contributions. Plaut, along with Jean Hyacinthe Vincent, identified the bacterial agents responsible for the disease, which include Fusobacterium and Treponema species.

Later Life and Legacy

Plaut continued his research and teaching throughout his career, influencing a generation of medical students and researchers. He published numerous papers on bacteriology and infectious diseases, contributing to the scientific community's understanding of these fields.

Hugo Carl Plaut passed away on 15 February 1928 in Hamburg, Germany. His legacy lives on through his contributions to medical science and the continued use of his findings in the study and treatment of bacterial infections.

Related Pages

• Bacteriology
• Vincent's angina
• Corynebacterium diphtheriae
• Dental microbiology