Origins & Early Life

Baron Kitasato Shibasaburō (北里 柴三郎; January 29 [O.S. 17 January], 1853 – June 13, 1931) was a Japanese physician and bacteriologist. He is remembered as the co-discoverer of the infectious agent of bubonic plague in Hong Kong during an outbreak in 1894, almost simultaneously with Alexandre Yersin. Kitasato was nominated for the first annual Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1901.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Kitasato and Emil von Behring, working together in Berlin in 1890, announced the discovery of diphtheria antitoxin serum. Von Behring was awarded the 1901 Nobel Prize because of this work, but Kitasato was not. Kitasato was born in Okuni village, Higo Province, (present-day Oguni Town, Kumamoto Prefecture, Kyūshū), the son of Kitasato Korenobu, a village head, and Tei, the daughter of a samurai. His parents were strict about his education and sent him to a relative's home and requested rigid discipline. He is said to have inherited his leadership qualities from his mother.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

He was educated at Kumamoto Medical School and a predecessor of Tokyo Imperial University. He studied under Robert Koch in the University of Berlin from 1885 to 1891. In 1889, he became the first person to grow the...

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• 1853 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1853
• January 29 (01-29) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on January 29
• 1931 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1931
• June 13 (06-13) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on June 13