Vital Brazil

Vital Brazil (April 28, 1865 – May 8, 1950) was a Brazilian physician, biomedical scientist and immunologist, best known for the discovery of the polyvalent anti-ophidic serum used to treat snakebites. He also discovered a serum to counteract the effects of spider bites.

Early Life and Education

Vital Brazil was born in Campanha, in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. He completed his primary and secondary education in his hometown before moving to Rio de Janeiro to study Medicine at the Faculty of Medicine of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro. He graduated in 1891.

Career

After graduation, Brazil worked as a sanitary doctor in several cities in the state of São Paulo. In 1897, he was appointed director of the newly created Instituto Butantan, a position he held until 1919. During his tenure, he conducted significant research on poisonous animals, particularly snakes, and developed serums to treat bites from these animals.

Legacy

Vital Brazil's work has had a significant impact on public health, particularly in rural areas where snakebites are common. His research has also contributed to the field of immunology. The Instituto Vital Brazil, a biomedical research institute in Niterói, is named in his honor.

See Also

• List of Brazilian scientists
• History of medicine in Brazil

References

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External Links

• Instituto Vital Brazil

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