Germ theory of disease
Lecture on germ theoryMicroorganisms can cause disease
Anti-germ theory (pseudoscience) - more
Note that germ theory, like the more complex theory of evolution, can't be proved directly. It makes useful predictions. Note also some diseases, for example metabolic diseases, aren't caused by microorganisms. This doesn't disprove germ theory. Note also that some diseases result from interaction of microorganisms with environmental conditions. Again this doesn't disprove germ theory.Germ theory led to the discovery of fungi, bacteria and ultimately viruses.
Pasteur's evidence against spontaneous generation was a key experiment supporting germ theory (don't confuse spontaneous generation with abiogenesis)
Louis Pasteur and the origin of germ theory
New! - Germ theory as a medical milestone
Germ theory at wikipedia
Koch's postulates are a set of rules for isolating microorganisms and proving that they cause disease. They remain useful for identifying and characterizing new disease agents.
