Who is known for developing aseptic surgical techniques and sterilization methods?

Joseph Lister is renowned for developing aseptic surgical techniques and sterilization methods, which revolutionized surgical practices in the late 19th century. His work was grounded in the germ theory of disease, which proposed that microorganisms were responsible for infections. Lister introduced the use of carbolic acid (phenol) as a disinfectant to clean surgical instruments and the operating environment. This practice drastically reduced the incidence of postoperative infections and mortality rates associated with surgery, laying the foundation for modern surgical protocols.

Other figures listed, while significant in the history of medicine, focus on different contributions. Edward Jenner is celebrated for developing the first successful smallpox vaccine, thus pioneering immunology. Alexander Fleming is known for discovering penicillin, which opened the door to antibiotic therapy, while Robert Koch is famous for his work in bacteriology and identifying the causative agents of diseases such as tuberculosis and anthrax. Each made substantial contributions but did not focus on surgical techniques and sterilization like Lister did.