Who was the first to use disinfectants and antiseptics to prevent infection during surgery?

• A. Robert Koch
• B. Alexander Fleming
• C. Joseph Lister
• D. Louis Pasteur

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the historical context of antiseptics and disinfectants in surgery, focusing on the development of methods to prevent infection.
2. Recall that Robert Koch is known for his work on identifying the causative agents of diseases (germ theory) but not specifically for antiseptic surgery.
3. Recognize that Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin, the first true antibiotic, which is different from antiseptics and disinfectants used during surgery.
4. Identify Louis Pasteur's contributions to microbiology and pasteurization, but note that he did not directly apply antiseptics in surgical practice.
5. Conclude that Joseph Lister was the pioneer who first applied disinfectants and antiseptics (like carbolic acid) to surgical wounds to prevent infection, establishing antiseptic surgery.