The Shift in Treatment After Germ Theory Discovery

Introduction 

The development of the germ theory towards the end of the nineteenth century marked a major shift and revolution field of medical science and medicine. The realization of the germ theory was made possible through efforts from institutional, technological and conceptual preconditions. In this regard, hospital medicine and microscopy played a critical role in facilitating the advancement of scientific research in relation to pathogens isolation, vaccines creation as well as the adoption of antiseptics in processes and operations related to surgery. The recognition by Pasteur concerning the infectious principle of germ made clarifications to the understanding of the manner in which microorganisms contribute towards the causing infectious diseases 1 . Today, it is not easy to fully recognize and appreciate the major revolution encountered in the field of medicine owing to the discovery of the germ theory because there have been subsequent discoveries and developments that have continued to take place. The discovery of the germ theory has not just provided a shift in medical treatment but has also formed the basis for future research regarding medical cures. 

Shift in Treatment after Germ Theory Discovery 

Following the discovery of germ and bacteria, there has been a shift in relation to the understanding and administration of treatments for infectious illness like pneumonia, chickenpox, and flu which are caused through viruses and bacteria 2 . In this regard, the knowledge associated with the germ theory discovery has been crucial in developing new treatment techniques as well as preventing the spread of the various infectious diseases caused by viruses and bacteria. The nineteenth century was able to witness developmental enhancements in relation to the microscope technology that facilitated further investigations and research into microscopic organisms responsible for causing various viral and bacterial diseases. Before this technological enhancement, it was not possible to clearly and accurately investigate the characteristics and behaviors of such disease-causing organisms. Several scientists and researchers took part in the discovery of the germ theory by making different contributions. However, there are two scientists namely a German, Robert Koch and a Frenchman, Louis Pasteur whose roles are attributed to the scientific proof of the germ theory discovery 3 . 

A dramatic outcome of the germ theory discovery involved the identification of different bacteria and viruses in relation to the biology of diseases. In this case, there was also the discovery and establishment of different ways that would be used making the viruses and bacteria less dangerous with the intention of using them in vaccination. This different way of approaching treatment which includes vaccination is part of a shift in treatment that emerged following the discovery of the germ theory. The shift in treatment due to the discovery of germs and bacteria played a major role in finding efficient and effective cure for diseases such as tuberculosis that were consider as serious killers in the nineteenth century. From the beginning of the nineteenth century, the germ theory discovery had resulted in identification of at least twenty-one microscopic organisms that were previously responsible for causing several diseases. The shift in treatment of diseases has seen the introduction and continued development of sophisticated techniques testing and administration of drugs in treating different diseases. Changes in modern medicines have made it possible for the doctors scan the body of a patient to the level of obtaining cellular details 4 . 

The shift in treatment after the germ theory discovery has seen the pharmaceutical industry changing their interests and their focus in terms of places to dedicate their limited resources. In this regard, more investments and resources have been directed towards the research and development of antibiotics with the aim of addressing some of the challenges brought about by the reduction in the effectiveness of antibiotics with time. One of the challenges that the shift in treatment has attempted to address following the discovery and continued development of bacteria and virus is the difficulty in developing antiviral drugs since antivirals have the ability to cause damages to the host cells housing viruses in the human body. Presently, there exist different varieties of antiviral drugs used in curing HIV compared to other viral diseases. This development in the discovery of antiviral drugs has made significant progress towards the transformation of HIV as a disease that was previously regarded as a serious killer into chronic condition that can be easily managed 5 . 

Moreover, there has been the development if several programs with the aim of stimulating research and the introduction of new medicines and vaccines following the discovery of the germ theory and the subsequent shift in treatment. For instance, Department of Health and Human Services in the United States established an authority to be in charge of advanced medical research and development in the year 2007. The aim of this authority was to streamline the response to shift in medical treatment through the provision of systematic and integrated approach towards the process of developing therapies, drugs, and vaccines as well as the testing and diagnostic tools required in addressing medical emergencies in the public sector. According to the germ theory, the cause of most diseases is attributable to microscopic microorganisms which experience growth and reproduction upon gaining entry into the human body. Some of these disease-causing organisms includes bacterium, virus, fungi, and viroid among others 6 . 

The development of the germ theory did not just lead to a shift in medical treatment but it played a critical role towards the revolution of the theory, understanding, and practice of medicine. Over the years, the discovery of disease-causing organisms such as virus and bacteria has significantly shown compatibility with several ideas associated with the improvement of sanitation and hygiene. The revolution in the field of medicine following the introduction of the germ theory has made immense contribution towards reducing the spread of most diseases and infections hosts and disease-causing organisms. Some of the dramatic successes and achievements experienced through the germ theory have been crucial in the transformation and improvement of processes and activities taking place in the medical laboratory sector. To that extent, areas of medical practice and research has grown to the level of moving away from the traditional ways of administering treatment and medications to a level has elevated the social status of healthcare practitioners. Some of the shifts and changes that have been experienced since the discovery of the germ theory include 7 : 

Surgery 

The process of carrying out a surgical operation on a patient was significantly transformed to the extent that patients have been able to undergo the process without infections or feeling intense pain and survive at the end of it all. In this regard, the rate of success in surgery operations has been significantly enhanced following the introductions anesthetic substances like chloroform as well as antiseptics. Additionally, there was improved state of cleanliness within health facilities which improved standards of nursing and treatment thereby preventing any additional infections before, during or after surgical operations. The end of the nineteenth century and the beginning of the nineteenth century was characterized by surgeons being able to successfully perform internal operations on a regular basis 8 . 

Public Health 

Public health is another area that has been able to experience shift and considerable changes following the discovery and development of the germ theory. As such, governments in various countries around the world have been able to adopt preventive measures as a way of addressing the spread of diseases and infections among members of the public in a given region. Such measures involved the setting up of boards within the health departments that are charged with the responsibility of overseeing cleanliness, hygiene, and sanitation in public places to prevent the outbreak or spread of epidemics such as cholera and smallpox among others. Other measures that have been introduced by the different governments with the focus of public health include making processes like smallpox inoculation to be mandatory as well as introducing medical services that target school children for regular health checks 9 . 

Use of Antibiotics 

The continuous shift in the field of medicine and the general way of administering treatment to patients led to the introduction and use of antibiotics such as penicillin in treating a number of diseases. The use of antibiotics in the treatment process has been able to play a major role in the prevention of the onset of various infections. The discovery of antibiotics in the recent past has been made possible through the continuous improvements and developments in relation to the germ theory. Moreover, there has been the introduction of a new concept of treatment where fungal products are used in the productions of medicine used to treat different diseases and infections. Before the discovery and introduction of antibiotics into the treatment process and the entire field of medicine, many unnecessary deaths used to occur from diseases or injuries that are currently seen as simple. Using antibiotics in administering various forms of treatments to patients to date has significantly assisted towards the elimination of deaths that would have otherwise occurred due to minor infections or wounds 10 . 

Immunology 

Previously, researchers and professionals in the field of medicine were fascinated with the process of searching for microbial agents that were responsible for transmitting diseases and toxic substances. However, the shift in medical treatment occasioned by the discovery of the germ theory made it possible to have clear understanding concerning various techniques of healing that were only regarded as mysterious before the development of the germ theory in the field of medicine. Considering the ubiquity associated with germs, it is important for the human body to be equipped with appropriate and effective immunity to guard against some of the deadliest epidemics. The germ theory in the field of medicine has assisted scientists and researchers in demonstrating the variability of different infectious diseases with several factors. Some of these factors include channels through which disease-causing organisms gain access to the human body as well as the physiological status of the host. Toward the end of the eighteenth-century researchers and microbiologists were able to discover the serum therapy after performing a series of experiments in line with the germ theory. Subsequently, this discovery led to the development of serum immune whose preparation was done using animal blood which had been inoculated with tetanus toxin 11 . 

Sanitation in the Household 

Household sanitation is a major concern when it comes to carrying new treatments available due to the discovery of the germ theory. Effective treatment of water being supplied to households as part of the preventive interventions that came about as a way of changing the manner in which various disease outbreaks were being addressed and handled. In this regard, the health sectors in most countries introduced a new approach towards dealing with the infections and disease outbreaks that were likely to adverse effects a multitude of households in a given region. Some of the interventions in this approach involved advocacy, regulation as well as provision of appropriate inputs meant for ensuring that various health benefits are realized by different households. In some cases, health sectors have a responsibility to ensuring that effective prevention of epidemics caused by bacteria and virus among other microorganisms by carrying out surveillance of the level and extent of domestic sanitation in complying with the acceptable standards of hygiene 12 . 

Another new approach in treatment with focus on households following the discovery of the germ theory is the introduction of different types of vaccines administered to every household member with the aim of preventing future outbreak of certain epidemics such as chickenpox and measles among others. In this case, the process of developing the new vaccines targeting households was largely dependent on the knowledge of the discovery made from the germ theory. Another critical consideration when it comes to the new forms of treatments that were developed from the discovery of germ is that of thorough hand cleaning with plenty of water and the necessary detergent such as soap. Hand washing or cleaning is a vital means of ensuring the spread of various diseases and infections are not easily spread from one person to another. The continuous development in relation to the theory of germ played a critical role in enabling other scientists and researchers come up with new concepts that would be practically applicable to the processes of finding cures and treatments for diseases caused by germs 13 . 

The understanding of the principles behind the germ theory led to the recognition that cleaning of hands and use of disinfectants plays a crucial role in the elimination of germs and specific disease-causing microorganism. In turn, the use of disinfectants in cleaning of hands and other forms of sanitation significantly assist in reducing or preventing infections or spread of diseases from individual to another. This theory went to the extent of expanding medical knowledge among professionals and practitioners which remained useful in the control of epidemics and effective treatment of different diseases. The discovery of the germ theory influenced the manner in which humanity perceived the human body and the associated infections. People started to understand that dirt contained numerous microorganisms that were highly likely to bring about infections that could lead to deadly diseases. As such, much emphasis was given to household sanitation in the sense that people started taking bath regularly and frequently and cleanliness became part of people’s lifestyle with the aim of preventing disease outbreaks and infections. Furthermore, the perception of people started to change in relation to enhancement of household hygiene which led to a drastic increase in life expectancy 14 . 

Conclusion 

In summing up, it is clear that various forms of new treatments emerged following the gem theory discovery which revolutionized the entire field of medicine. Several preventive and treatment measures aimed at addressing the infection and transmission of various diseases were formulated and developed based on the information and the findings obtained from the discovery of the germ theory. Some of the preventive measures were focused on ensuring the safety of the public health in the society by ensuring that more attention was paid to the sanitation in the household. New emphasis on household sanitation when it comes to the development of new treatment techniques intended to ensure that any outbreaks of epidemics such cholera and smallpox among others would be prevented and contained in good time. Medical researchers with regard to different new ways of treatments and cures have continued to take place on the basis of the understanding of the discovery of germs and bacteria 15 . 

Bibliography 

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Bacteria and Allied Organisms to Virulent Inflammations and Specific Contagious 

Fevers.” British Medical Journal 1, no.745 (1875): 469–476. 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2295625/ 

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http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jamcollsurg.2010.06.389 

Garry, Egger. " In Search of a Germ Theory Equivalent for Chronic Disease." Journal of 

Public Health Research 6, no. 2 (2012): 123-132. 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3431950/ 

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Lister, Joseph & Pasteur, Louis.  Germ Theory and its Applications to Medicine on the Antiseptic Principle of the Practice of Surgery . Prometheus Books, 1996. 

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1 Fry Donald. " Prions: Reassessment of the Germ Theory of Disease." Journal of the American College of Surgeons 211, no. 4(2010): 546–552. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jamcollsurg.2010.06.389 

2 Robert Buerki, "Reception of the Germ Theory of Disease in The American Journal of Pharmacy." Pharmacy in History 13, no. 4 (1971): 158-68. http://www.jstor.org/stable/41108720. 

3 Fry Donald. " Prions: Reassessment of the Germ Theory of Disease." Journal of the American College of Surgeons 211, no. 4(2010): 546–552. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jamcollsurg.2010.06.389 

4 Charlton Bastian. “The Germ-Theory of Disease: Being a Discussion of the Relation of Bacteria and Allied Organisms to Virulent Inflammations and Specific Contagious Fevers.” British Medical Journal 1.745 (1875): 469–476. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2295625/ 

5 Hurd, M.D. " On the Germ Theory of Disease." Boston Med Surg (2017): 97-110. http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJM187407300910501 

6 Egger Garry. " In Search of a Germ Theory Equivalent for Chronic Disease." Journal of Public Health Research 6, no. 2 (2012): 123-132. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3431950/ 

7 Lister, Joseph & Pasteur, Louis. Germ Theory and its Applications to Medicine on the Antiseptic Principle      of the Practice of Surgery (Prometheus Books, 2006), 121. 

8 Gaynes, Robert. Germ theory: medical pioneers in infectious diseases (Washington, DC: ASM Press, 2011), 77. 

9 Hendrick, Robert. Louis Pasteur's Battle with Microbes and the Founding of               Microbiology (Detroit : Gale Virtual Reference Library, 2000), 138 

10 Vandegrift, Roo. " Cleanliness in context: reconciling hygiene with a modern microbial perspective." Microbiome Review (2016). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40168-017-0294-2 

11 Sachs, J. Good Germs, Bad Germs: Health and survival in a bacterial world . (Hill and Wang. New York, 2007), 41. 

12 Egger Garry. " In Search of a Germ Theory Equivalent for Chronic Disease." Journal of Public Health Research 6, no. 2 (2012): 123-132. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3431950/ 

13 Fry Donald. " Prions: Reassessment of the Germ Theory of Disease." Journal of the American College of Surgeons 211, no. 4(2010): 546–552. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jamcollsurg.2010.06.389 

14 Charlton, Bastian. “The Germ-Theory of Disease: Being a Discussion of the Relation of Bacteria and Allied Organisms to Virulent Inflammations and Specific Contagious Fevers.” British Medical Journal 1, no.745 (1875): 469–476. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2295625/ 

15 Fry, Donald. " Prions: Reassessment of the Germ Theory of Disease." Journal of the American College of Surgeons 211, no. 4(2010): 546–552. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jamcollsurg.2010.06.389