Adelchi Negri

Italian pathologist and microbiologist

Adelchi Negri (2 August 1876 – 19 February 1912) was an Italian pathologist and microbiologist known for his discovery of the Negri bodies, which are associated with rabies infection. His work significantly contributed to the understanding of the pathogenesis of rabies.

Early life and education

Adelchi Negri was born in Perugia, Italy. He pursued his medical studies at the University of Pavia, where he was a student of the renowned scientist Camillo Golgi. Negri graduated with a degree in medicine in 1900.

Career

After completing his education, Negri continued to work at the University of Pavia, where he conducted research in the field of microbiology and pathology. He became an assistant to Camillo Golgi and later a professor of general pathology.

Discovery of Negri bodies

In 1903, while studying the histopathology of rabies, Negri discovered the presence of distinct inclusion bodies in the neurons of infected animals. These inclusion bodies, later named "Negri bodies" in his honor, are now recognized as a diagnostic feature of rabies infection. Negri's discovery provided a crucial tool for the diagnosis of rabies and advanced the understanding of the disease's neuropathology.

Death and legacy

Adelchi Negri died at the young age of 35 from tuberculosis. Despite his short life, his contributions to medical science, particularly in the study of rabies, have had a lasting impact. His work laid the foundation for further research into viral diseases and their effects on the nervous system.

Related pages

• Rabies
• Negri bodies
• Camillo Golgi
• University of Pavia

Gallery

• 
  Adelchi Negri
• 
  Adelchi Negri's tomb, Monumental Cemetery, Pavia, Italy