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We study microbiology because bacteria, viruses and fungi are the leading cause of death in the history of mankind.

Tiny and virtually invisible microbes studied by microbiologists have had a tremendous impact on society since the earliest days of recorded history. Bacteria, viruses and fungi have been responsible for the downfall of governments, famine, and death on an almost incalculable scale. It has only been in the last one hundred years that we have finally begun to win the age old battle with these small and deadly bugs.

Before bacteria and viruses were discovered, people believed that disease arose spontaneously in diseased tissues. No one had any idea that infections were caused by very small living organisms. In the 17th Century a Dutch scientist by the name of Antonie van Leeuwenhoek made improvements to microscopes, which allowed researchers to directly see bacteria for the first time. An entire universe was opened up for viewing.

Prior to the 20th Century, the most common causes of death were due to infectious diseases. Pneumonia and tuberculosis killed by the thousands. Minor injuries to soldiers would become infected and kill weeks later. Crowded and unsanitary conditions in cities would become breeding grounds for dozens of potentially lethal organisms.

On frequent occasion, bacteria and viruses have taken center stage in the drama of human history. let's take a quick look at for examples of microbiology's effect on society.

The Black Death or The Black Plague

In the mid-14th century a disease spread out of Central Asia and into Europe. This deadly malady quickly spread throughout all of Western Europe It is estimated to be responsible for the death of up to 75 million people worldwide. Approximately one third to two thirds of the population of Europe was killed. The plague reached as far as China - where it is believed to have killed over 30% of that population as well.

The Black Plague is now known to have been caused by a bacteria known as yersinia pestis. This bacteria was carried by a rats. Fleas which lived on the rats would pick up the infection and pass it along to people. Unfortunately for the people of the 14th century, there was a widely held belief that cats were at least partly responsible for the deaths. Cats were killed by the millions, which only aided to increase the rat population and promote the spread of the plague. The sociological and political implications of almost half of the European population being killed in less than one

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