Robert Koch (1843-1910) proposed a set of "rules" for establishing a connection between a microbe and a disease.
* The original postulates;
1st. Association of the microbe with lesions of the disease
2nd. Isolating the bacterium in pure culture
3rd. Showing that the isolated bacterium causes disease in humans or animals
4th. Reisolating the bacterium from the intentionally infected animal
* Proposed 5th postulate;
5th. Elimination of the disease-causing microbe from the infected host or prevention of exposure of the host to the microbe should eliminate or prevent disease.
Alternative methods used to satisfy Koch's postulates - MOLECULAR Koch's Postulates;
- PCR can be used to detect and identify the microbe in diseased tissue.
- Immunohistochemistry can be used to detect and identify the microbe in diseased tissue.
- Antibiotic therapy can be used to eliminate the microbe and thereby cure the disease.
- Vaccination can be used to prevent infection by the microbe and thereby prevent disease.
- Hygiene, disinfection, and health practices can be used to prevent exposure to the microbe and thereby prevent disease.
(Ref: Bacterial Pathogenesis. A Molecular Approach. [2011] 3rd Ed., ASM Press)
