Neisser and the clap
Elbert, N.J.; van Gijn, J.; Gijselhart, J.P.; Neisser, A.
Nederlands Tijdschrift Voor Geneeskunde 157(23): A6252
2013
ISSN/ISBN: 1876-8784 PMID: 23739605 Document Number: 667130
In 1879, during his specialization in dermatology, Albert Ludwig Sigesmund Neisser (1855-1916) discovered the bacterial cause of gonorrhoea. The gonococcus - Neisseria gonorrhoea - would, however, not bear his name until 1933. Neisser's early research focused primarily on venereal diseases, syphilis in particular, and on leprosy. Later, as a hygienist, he became a passionate advocate of public clinics for venereal diseases, regulated prostitution, and health education. In 1916, Neisser died of sepsis after lithotripsy for nephrolithiasis. His scientific inheritance includes many publications on a variety of venereal and skin diseases and public health-related topics, and textbooks such as Ikonographia dermatologica and Stereoskopischer Medizinischer Atlas.