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Kitasato Shibasaburo
Oguni (Kumamoto), Japan
Archival Overview
Pioneering Japanese physician and bacteriologist who co-discovered the bubonic plague pathogen and developed serum therapy against tetanus and diphtheria alongside Emil von Behring.
Biographical Record
Kitasato Shibasaburo (1853–1931) studied in Berlin under Robert Koch, becoming the first scientist in history to successfully grow the tetanus bacillus in pure culture in 1889. Together with Behring, he demonstrated serum therapy, proving that antibodies can neutralize lethal toxins in blood.
During the 1894 Hong Kong bubonic plague outbreak, Kitasato independently isolated the bacterium Yersinia pestis almost simultaneously with Alexandre Yersin. He went on to establish the Kitasato Institute and the Japanese Medical Association.
Key Life Milestones
Pure Culture of Tetanus Bacillus
Achieved the world's first pure culture of Clostridium tetani, demonstrating antitoxin immunity.
Discovery of the Plague Bacillus
Isolated the bubonic plague agent during the deadly epidemic in Hong Kong.
Memorial Guestbook & Tributes
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Final Resting Place
Perpetual MemorialTokyo, Japan