Alberto Barton

Peruvian microbiologist known for discovering Bartonella bacilliformis

Alberto Leonardo Barton Thompson (August 1870 – October 25, 1950) was a Peruvian microbiologist who is best known for his discovery of the bacterium Bartonella bacilliformis, the causative agent of Carrion's disease.

Early Life and Education

Alberto Barton was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in August 1870. He moved to Peru with his family at a young age. Barton pursued his medical studies at the National University of San Marcos in Lima, where he developed an interest in microbiology and infectious diseases.

Discovery of Bartonella bacilliformis

In 1905, while working at the Guadalupe Hospital in Lima, Barton began studying patients suffering from a mysterious illness characterized by fever and severe anemia. Through meticulous research and observation, he identified a previously unknown bacterium in the blood of these patients. Barton named the bacterium Bartonella bacilliformis after himself.

Bartonella bacilliformis is a Gram-negative bacterium that is transmitted by the sandfly of the genus Lutzomyia. It is the causative agent of Carrion's disease, which manifests in two distinct phases: the acute febrile phase known as Oroya fever and the eruptive phase known as Verruga peruana.

Impact and Legacy

Barton's discovery was a significant milestone in the field of tropical medicine and infectious disease research. His work laid the foundation for further studies on the Bartonella genus, which includes several other species that are pathogenic to humans.

Despite the importance of his discovery, Barton did not receive widespread recognition during his lifetime. However, his contributions have been acknowledged posthumously, and he is regarded as a pioneer in the study of vector-borne diseases.

Later Life

After his groundbreaking discovery, Barton continued to work in the field of microbiology and public health. He held various academic and administrative positions in Peru, contributing to the development of medical education and research in the country.

Barton passed away on October 25, 1950, leaving behind a legacy of scientific achievement and dedication to the advancement of medical knowledge.

Related Pages

• Bartonella
• Carrion's disease
• Oroya fever
• Verruga peruana
• Vector-borne disease

Gallery

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  Alberto Barton